Declan Donnelly ‘rushes to see his extremely ill’ brother Dermott after being rushed to hospital

Declan Donnelly has rushed to the aid of his brother Dermott, who is being treated at North Durham Hospital for a mysterious illness.

The star’s older brother – a Roman Catholic priest – is “extremely unwell” and was rushed to hospital after collapsing in a “sudden” incident.

Dermott, 55, is described as “seriously ill” and his congregation is gathering to pray for him.

Suddenly: Declan Donnelly has rushed to the aid of his brother Dermott, who is being treated in hospital with a mysterious illness

A statement from Stanley, Dipton & Byermoor Catholic Parishes said: “Please pray for Father Dermott who is doing very poorly in hospital.

“Tomorrow evening between 6pm and 7pm before the Holy of Holies there is a time when we can gather as a community at St Joseph’s Church to pray for the well being of Father Dermott.

“Please show respect to Father Dermott and his family at this difficult time. We will update you as soon as we receive the most updated information confirmed by the diocese.”

Tragic: The star’s younger brother – a Roman Catholic priest – is ‘extremely unwell’ and was rushed to hospital after collapsing in a ‘sudden’ incident

A source told The Sun: “Dec arrived with other family members. There are about 12 of them in the hospital there.

“It was very sudden and everyone is just praying he pulls through.”

Dez, 46, who is eight years younger than his big brother, has previously spoken about his close relationship with his brother.

Dermott regularly attends his brother’s shows, while Declan travels frequently to the Northeast to attend Mass and the youth projects that have been close to Dermott’s heart since the ’90s.

The Roman Catholic priest was the one who performed Dec’s wedding to Ali Astall in August 2015 at St Michael’s Church in Elswick, where he has been a priest since 1992.

Support: Dermott, 55, is described as “seriously ill” and his congregation is gathering to pray for him

A source told The Sun: “Dec arrived with other family members. There are about 12 of them in the hospital.

One of seven children, Dec grew up on the Cruddas Park estate in Newcastle with three brothers – Martin, Eamonn and Dermott – and three sisters – Camelia, Patricia and Moira.

During his time as a priest, Dermott started a youth ministry program aimed at bringing underprivileged youth into the Catholic Church.

He started out as a vicar in Chester-le-Street until two years later when he was asked by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to set up the programme.

He turned the Youth Ministry Team into a thriving business and a few years later in 2010, with the help of Ant and Dec, he opened the Global Youth Village Center in a former holiday camp in County Durham.

Brothers: Dec, who is eight years younger than his big brother, has previously spoken about his close relationship with his brother