A Devastating Loss for Declan Donnelly
In July 2022, the entertainment world paused as Declan Donnelly, one half of the beloved presenting duo Ant and Dec, shared the shattering news of his older brother Father Dermott Donnelly’s sudden death at age 55. Father Dermott, a Roman Catholic priest who had served his community for three decades, collapsed in his Newcastle parish and passed away in hospital after a brief illness, later revealed to be a brain hemorrhage. Declan’s poignant words, “The world feels less bright,” captured the depth of his grief, resonating with fans across the globe. As one of Britain’s most cherished TV personalities, Declan’s public mourning and emotional tribute at Dermott’s funeral revealed a deeply personal side of the star, sparking an outpouring of support and reflection on the legacy of a man who touched countless lives.
Who Was Father Dermott Donnelly?
Father Dermott Donnelly was more than Declan’s brother; he was a pillar of faith and compassion in Newcastle’s Catholic community. Born into a close-knit family of seven siblings—Dermott, Declan, Martin, Eamonn, Camelia, Patricia, and Moira—in Cruddas Park, Newcastle, Dermott’s calling to the priesthood was evident from childhood. Their mother, Anne, recalled him “playing Mass” as a young boy, a sign of the vocation that would define his life. Ordained on June 27, 1992, Dermott celebrated 30 years of service just weeks before his death, serving parishes like St Joseph’s in Stanley, County Durham, and St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, where he once held the role of Dean.
Known for his warmth, humor, and dedication, Dermott was passionate about youth outreach. He founded the Youth Village at St Mary’s, a program offering spiritual guidance and hope to young people, and was actively involved in the Youth Ministry Trust, a charity aimed at empowering disadvantaged youth. His ability to connect with people, from parishioners to strangers, earned him the nickname “TweeterPriest” for his engaging social media presence, where he shared messages of faith and kindness. Declan described him as “calm, sensitive, and protective,” a man whose “fantastic sense of humor and adventure” left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
The Day the Donnelly Family Changed Forever
On July 8, 2022, Father Dermott suffered a sudden collapse in his parish, initially attributed to headaches he had experienced in the days prior. Rushed to hospital, he was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage, a devastating condition that proved fatal. Declan, then 46, announced the loss on social media, writing, “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. We are all beyond devastated.” The news came as a shock to fans, who had seen Dermott officiate Declan’s 2015 wedding to Ali Astall at St Michael’s Church in Elswick, a moment that symbolized the brothers’ close bond.
The Donnelly family, known for their tight-knit unity, faced an “immeasurable loss.” Dermott’s death came just 11 years after the passing of their father, Alphonsus, who died of cancer in 2011. The timing added a layer of poignancy: weeks later, Declan and Ali welcomed their second child, Jack Anthony Alphonsus, named partly in tribute to Dermott and their late father. Declan called Jack a “welcome ray of light” amid the grief, highlighting the bittersweet nature of the family’s journey.
A Farewell Filled with Love and Tears
Father Dermott’s funeral on July 29, 2022, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle was a profoundly moving event, streamed on YouTube to allow his wide community to mourn. Declan, joined by his siblings, carried Dermott’s coffin into the cathedral, a gesture that underscored their shared sorrow. During the Requiem Mass, Declan delivered a tearful eulogy, struggling to hold back emotions as he spoke of Dermott’s impact. “We can’t believe he’s gone, we still can’t understand why he’s gone—but we trust God took him because his talents were needed elsewhere,” he said. He recalled childhood memories, like Dermott’s protective nature and their adventures together, and praised his brother’s passion for his charity, which he vowed would become Dermott’s legacy.
The service was attended by Dermott’s parishioners, friends, and Declan’s long-time co-star Ant McPartlin, who arrived separately and shared a heartfelt embrace with Declan outside the cathedral. Mourners applauded as the hearse departed, a testament to Dermott’s far-reaching influence. The funeral was not just a goodbye but a celebration of a life dedicated to service, with Declan noting that Dermott had “so many more lives he needed to change.”
The Public’s Response: A Wave of Support
Declan’s openness about his grief struck a chord with fans, who flooded social media with condolences. Posts on X described Dermott as a “beautiful soul” whose work with young people “changed lives.” One fan wrote, “Seeing Dec so heartbroken reminds us he’s human, not just a TV star. Dermott sounded like an incredible man.” Another shared, “The Donnelly family’s loss feels personal. Father Dermott’s kindness reached so many.” The outpouring extended to ITV colleagues, with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden later commenting on Declan’s strength during a difficult time.
The tragedy also highlighted the universal experience of loss, prompting discussions about grief and family. Dermott’s role as a priest added a spiritual dimension, with many fans reflecting on his messages of hope. His Youth Ministry Trust saw an influx of donations after his death, a sign that his mission would endure. Declan’s decision to return to work on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! just weeks later, filming alongside Ant in August 2022, was seen as a testament to his resilience, though he admitted the world felt “a worse place” without Dermott.
Father Dermott’s Lasting Legacy
Father Dermott’s work with the Youth Ministry Trust remains a cornerstone of his legacy. The charity, still in its early stages at the time of his death, focuses on providing young people with spiritual guidance, self-worth, and opportunities to thrive. Declan emphasized Dermott’s belief in giving youth “significance,” a mission that resonated deeply in Newcastle’s underserved communities. The trust has continued to grow, with community support ensuring Dermott’s vision lives on. Plans for a permanent youth center in Newcastle, inspired by Dermott’s Youth Village, were mentioned in local reports, though progress has been gradual.
Dermott’s influence also endures through his family. Declan and Ali’s son, Jack, carries the middle name Alphonsus in honor of both Dermott and their father, a subtle but meaningful tribute. Declan’s commitment to privacy about his children—daughter Isla, born in 2018, and Jack—reflects the family’s desire to shield them from public scrutiny, but he has shared that Isla’s middle name, Anne, honors their mother, while Jack’s name nods to Dermott’s memory. These personal touches underscore the Donnelly family’s values of love and remembrance.
Declan’s Journey Through Grief
Declan’s public persona—cheeky, upbeat, and quick-witted—contrasts with the raw vulnerability he showed after Dermott’s death. His return to work on I’m A Celebrity and later Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway demonstrated his professionalism, but glimpses of his grief emerged in interviews and social media. In 2023, marking the first anniversary of Dermott’s death, Declan attended Mass at St Michael’s Church and opened a fete for the church’s 150th anniversary, a quiet act of tribute. He has since spoken sparingly about the loss, focusing instead on his family and career, including the 2024 pause of Saturday Night Takeaway to prioritize time with his children.
The support of Ant McPartlin, Declan’s friend and co-star of over 30 years, has been a constant. Ant, who named Declan godfather to his son Wilder, born in May 2024, was a visible presence at Dermott’s funeral and has spoken of their brother-like bond. This friendship, coupled with Declan’s marriage to Ali Astall, has provided a foundation for navigating personal tragedies. Ali, who transitioned from Declan’s manager to his wife, has been a steady partner, with the couple’s shared commitment to their children reflecting Dermott’s emphasis on family.
Why This Story Resonates
Father Dermott’s death and Declan’s grief have touched millions because they reflect universal themes: the pain of losing a sibling, the strength of family, and the power of a life well-lived. Dermott’s role as a priest amplified his impact, but his humor and humanity made him relatable. Declan’s willingness to share his sorrow, despite his fame, humanized him, reminding fans that even TV icons face profound loss. The story also underscores the importance of community, as Newcastle rallied around the Donnellys, and Dermott’s charity continues to inspire.
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about health, particularly brain hemorrhages, which can strike without warning. Dermott’s headaches, initially unremarkable, were a subtle clue, prompting some fans to advocate for greater awareness of such symptoms. Meanwhile, his work with youth has inspired calls for more community-driven initiatives, with local leaders in Newcastle citing Dermott as a model of compassionate leadership.
Looking Ahead: Honoring Dermott’s Memory
As Declan moves forward, his brother’s legacy remains a guiding light. The Youth Ministry Trust, though still developing, holds promise as a lasting tribute, with potential to expand its reach beyond Newcastle. Declan’s involvement, whether public or behind the scenes, will likely ensure its success. His career, too, continues to thrive, with Ant and Dec’s return to Britain’s Got Talent and I’m A Celebrity in 2025 signaling their enduring appeal. Yet, the pause of Saturday Night Takeaway reflects a shift in priorities, with Declan valuing family time—a choice Dermott would likely have championed.
Father Dermott’s life was a testament to faith, service, and joy, and his death, though heartbreaking, has amplified his message. Declan’s words at the funeral—“We’ll miss him immeasurably”—echo in the hearts of fans, who continue to share stories of Dermott’s kindness on platforms like X. This tragedy, while deeply personal, has united people in grief and gratitude, reminding us all to cherish those we love and the legacies they leave behind. The world may feel less bright without Father Dermott, but his light shines on through those he inspired.
