Declan Donnelly Opens Up About Constant Anxiety
In January 2026, Declan Donnelly spoke publicly about his mental health for the first time during an appearance on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast, where he was joined by his long-time presenting partner, Ant McPartlin. The presenter, now 50 years old, described experiencing what he called a “low level, constant anxiety” that makes it difficult for him to relax.
Donnelly explained that he struggles with a persistent feeling that he should always be working or being productive, which prevents him from simply sitting down and watching television without guilt. He also revealed that he attended therapy about five or six years ago and found the experience highly beneficial, though he has not yet booked a follow-up appointment with a new therapist he was referred to.
The Loss of His Brother, Father Dermott Donnelly
The most genuinely sad news connected to Declan Donnelly concerns the death of his older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, who passed away in July 2022 at the age of 55. Father Dermott died in hospital following a short illness and had served as a Catholic priest for 30 years, working extensively with young people through youth ministry in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
Declan paid tribute to his brother on social media, stating he was “heartbroken” and that the family was “beyond devastated”. Ant McPartlin also honoured Father Dermott, calling him “the kindest, wisest man I knew” in a heartfelt post. Father Dermott had officiated at Declan’s wedding to Ali Astall in 2015 at St Michael’s Church in Newcastle.
A Requiem Mass was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, where Declan delivered a eulogy remembering his brother as someone who “had so much more work left to do”. The service was streamed on YouTube and relayed to St Michael’s Church to accommodate the large number of mourners, including Ant McPartlin.Quick Bio: Declan Donnelly
The Accidental M&S Shoplifting Incident
In a lighter story that also surfaces under this search term, Declan Donnelly recounted an embarrassing moment on his podcast Hanging Out with Ant and Dec in September 2026. While stopping at a M&S at Bridgwater services in Somerset with his wife, Donnelly scanned his items and his Sparks card at a self-service checkout but forgot to complete the payment before walking out.
He realised his mistake while eating his sandwich in the car and feared he would be arrested because he is “one of the most recognisable men in Britain”. Donnelly contacted his office, who then called the services to resolve the situation. The store asked him to make a donation to their charity partner, Mind, which he did, leaving him “slightly out of pocket” as the donation exceeded the cost of his lunch.
Why These Stories Get Grouped Together
The phrase “Declan Donnelly sad news” functions as a search term that aggregates several unrelated stories rather than referring to a single event. The mental health update and the bereavement of his brother are genuinely sombre topics, while the M&S incident is a humorous anecdote that Donnelly himself has shared openly. This distinction helps clarify what readers are actually looking for when they search for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sad news about Declan Donnelly?
The sad news covers two main areas: his public discussion of constant anxiety on the Happy Place podcast in January 2026, and the death of his brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, in July 2022.
Did Declan Donnelly’s brother pass away?
Yes, Father Dermott Donnelly died in July 2022 at age 55 after a short illness.
Has Declan Donnelly spoken about his mental health?
Yes, he spoke about his “constant anxiety” and previous therapy on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast in January 2026.
What happened at M&S?
Donnelly accidentally left an M&S at Bridgwater services without paying in 2026. He later made a donation to the charity Mind after the store was contacted.
Conclusion
The various stories behind “Declan Donnelly sad news” reflect different facets of the presenter’s life, from his honest mental health disclosures to a family tragedy and a relatable everyday mistake. Throughout all of these events, Donnelly has continued his television work alongside Ant McPartlin on programmes including Britain’s Got Talent and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. His willingness to speak openly about anxiety and to share personal stories, both difficult and humorous, has resonated with audiences across the UK.
FAQs About Declan Donnelly Sad News
What is the sad news about Declan Donnelly?
The sad news involves two verified personal matters. In January 2026, Donnelly revealed he experiences a “low-level, constant anxiety” that prevents him from relaxing, speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast. Separately, his brother Father Dermott Donnelly passed away in July 2022 at age 55 following a short illness.
Did Declan Donnelly’s brother pass away?
Yes. Father Dermott Donnelly died peacefully in hospital on July 8, 2022, aged 55, after a short illness. He had served as a Catholic priest for 30 years and officiated Declan’s 2015 wedding to Ali Astall. Declan said he was “heartbroken” and “beyond devastated”.
Has Declan Donnelly spoken about his mental health?
Yes, in January 2026 he discussed his anxiety publicly for the first time on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast alongside Ant McPartlin. Donnelly described “a low-level, constant anxiety” about always needing to be productive and said he attended therapy five or six years ago, which he found highly beneficial.
What happened at the M&S store?
In September 2026, Donnelly accidentally left a Bridgwater Services M&S without paying after scanning his items and Sparks card but forgetting to complete the transaction. He realised his mistake while eating his sandwich and contacted his office, fearing arrest due to his recognisability. The store asked him to donate to their charity partner Mind, which he did.
