Declan Donnelly's older brother Dermott has died at the age of 55 following a sudden illness.

Dermott, who worked as a parish priest in County Durham, is said to have collapsed on Thursday and was rushed to hospital with what has been described as a "mystery illness".

Dec - the youngest of seven siblings - is said to have rushed back to the North East in order to join his family at the hospital, where his brother died this afternoon.

A statement from Father Dermott's parish said: "It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully on Friday 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.

"Funeral arrangements will follow when finalised. May he rest in peace."

Dermott had been working as a priest for 30 years and was recently pictured at 10 Downing Street attending a prayer service for Ukraine.