a mourner Declan Donnelly was spotted preparing to say his final goodbyes to his late brother, Father Dermott, as he carried the Catholic priest’s coffin to church.
The TV star was joined by his family and friends at Catholic Mass on Thursday morning after he… died suddenly last week after suffer from a serious illness.
Donnelly looked gloomy as he paid his last respects in a black suit, outside the church in Newcastle, before Friday’s funeral.
The Britain’s Got Talent host, along with Father Dermott’s other relatives, were with him when he died “peacefully” in hospital after collapsing at home.
Father Dermott’s death was announced on Thursday by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, who said in a statement that the priest “died peacefully in hospital this afternoon”.
The bishop said the news “has come as a great shock to all of us,” adding, “Please pray for the peace of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
His devastated brother confirmed the news on Twitter Friday, writing: “I am devastated to tell you that my dear brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, has sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond broken. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.”
Father Dermott had presided over the Saturday Night Takeaway host’s wedding to Ali Astall in 2015, which took place at the same church as Friday’s service.
Donnelly and Astall recently welcomed their second child togethera little boy named Jack Anthony Alphonsus.
The family had kept Astall’s pregnancy news quiet, announcing that early fans had heard of the new arrival, as many noted that Jack’s middle name was a nod to Donnelly’s co-star Ant McPartlin.
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