Ant McPartlin pays tribute to co-star’s brother Father Dermott after his death at 55
Ant McPartlin has paid tribute to his presenting co-star’s brother, describing him as the “kindest, wisest man I knew” after his death aged 55.
Father Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest and brother of Declan Donnelly, died in hospital on Friday after a short illness.
TV star McPartlin, 46, tweeted: “Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family.
“The world has lost a special man. X A.”
The diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced the news of Donnelly’s death on Friday afternoon, with Declan, 46, paying tribute to his brother shortly after.
He tweeted: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother, Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated DD.”
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly began their career in the early 90s on BBC teen drama Byker Grove. Photograph: Matt Crossick/PA
In 2015, Donnelly officiated at the wedding of his brother to Ali Astall in Newcastle.
A statement from Hexham and Newcastle diocese said: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital.
“This has come as a great shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Donnelly recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of service to his parish and community, where he was best known for his work with young people and youth ministry.
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He was a member of the clergy for St Joseph’s church in Stanley, County Durham.
The bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Robert Byrne, said: “He will be sorely missed for his energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage with all who met him”.
He added: “This is particularly true in his work with young people and youth ministry in the diocese, bringing many disadvantaged and dispirited young people to Christ.
“He truly lived his faith, and in doing so gave so much to others. It is with great gratitude that we will remember him and all he selflessly gave.”
During his career, Donnelly was a supporter of charity the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), the official aid agency of the Catholic church in England and Wales.
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Cafod’s head of education, Monica Conmee, paid tribute to Donnelly on behalf of the charity, saying: “We are hugely privileged to have worked closely with Fr Dermott enabling the voices of the poor and most vulnerable to be heard.”
In 2014, Donnelly featured on Songs of Praise alongside CBBC’s Hacker T Dog to answer questions about the church that CBBC viewers had sent in.
Declan Donnelly, who has said he briefly considered a career in the church, began his acting career in the early 90s alongside McPartlin on the BBC teen drama Byker Grove. Together the pair went on to present shows including I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here; Britain’s Got Talent; and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway