The priest brother TV presenter Declan Donnelly died from a suspected bleed on the brain, friends have said.

Fr Dermott Donnelly, 55, was taken to North Durham Hospital after he complained of a headache then collapsed.

He was parish priest at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham, and the older brother of Declan Donnelly, a member of comedy duo “Ant and Dec”.

Friend and colleague Father Peter Kyi Maung, who served with Fr Donnelly told the Mirror: “He was hardly breathing in the bed, it was so sad.

“They think he had bleeding on the brain. Declan had come to be with him and their mum was there as well, I saw her at the hospital and it was so hard for her, a mother seeing her dying son.

“When she hugged me, I knew how much she was suffering.”

Fr Maung described Fr Donnelly as “a very good, kind priest” had just celebrated 30 years of ministry.

Declan, 46, 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.”

The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle confirmed in Fr Donnelly’s death in a statement.

“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,” a statement said.

“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.”

Declan’s longtime TV partner Ant McPartlin 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”

Bishop Robert Byrne of Hexham and Newcastle said Fr Donnelly was a “good and faithful priest” whose commitment to working with young people would be missed both locally and nationally.

(Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle)

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