Declan has said that the family are "beyond devastated".

UK television personality Declan Donnelly has paid tribute to his late brother Father Dermott Donnelly, who passed away following an illness yesterday. He was 55 -years-old. On the official Ant and Dec Twitter, Dec wrote: "I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott @TwitterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. "We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated." https://twitter.com/antanddec/status/1545438383970914305 News of Fr Dermott's death was announced yesterday. In a statement on social media, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle said: "It is with great sadness that I 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." Earlier this week, Dermott's diocese confirmed that he had been taken to hospital after becoming very unwell. In a post on Facebook, Catholic Community and Pontop Partnership asked their congregations to pray for him. "Please pray for Fr Dermott Donnelly who is seriously ill in hospital," the post read. It is understood that Dermott's family rushed to the hospital to be by his side. Tributes have since been coming in for Fr Dermott. On Twitter, Fr Marc Lyden-Smith wrote: "My soul is sad. Today the church has lost an inspirational priest and the world has lost a wonderful human being. Rest in peace my friend." https://twitter.com/frlydensmith/status/1545443965717078019 Cardinal Nichols tweeted: "I was sad to hear of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly. My prayers are with his family & all who will miss him greatly. We give thanks for his ministry with young people, esp with @cymfed @FlameCongress." https://twitter.com/CardinalNichols/status/1545468916461355009