Derry Girls actor Dylan Llewellyn has publicly thanked viewers and fans for their overwhelming support following his emotional revelation about his brother's suicide during the latest episode of Celebrity Race Across the World.
Emotional Revelation During South American Ceremony
The 33-year-old actor bravely shared his family's tragic story while participating in an ancient ceremony in South America with his mother Jackie and fellow contestants. During the powerful scene filmed around a campfire, participants were encouraged to release emotional burdens during a cacao drinking ritual.
Dylan fought back tears as he revealed: "Me and my mum lost someone close to us. I lost my brother, and my mum lost her son. His name is James. I just wish he could take my place and do this, do all this and travel the world. But he never got to."
Brother's Tragic Story Revealed
In a separate piece to camera, Dylan provided more heartbreaking details about the family tragedy. He explained that his eldest brother James took his own life at just 20 years old, when Dylan was only 16.
The actor emotionally reflected: "It just hit us all hard, so hard. Doing this race is like doing it for my brother and my mum. He would have loved to do something like this."
Dylan described James as someone who "lived life to the full" and was "so popular" with many friends, adding tearfully: "He was my hero."
Heartwarming Support From Co-stars and Public
Fellow contestant Roman Kemp offered immediate comfort during the emotional scene, telling Dylan: "He's with you the whole time. He'd be sat right here, he'd be laughing at everything you're going through."
Dylan's mother Jackie added comforting words, saying James was now Dylan's "guardian angel" and that "he's racing with us."
Since the episode aired, Dylan has spoken with bereavement charity Cruse about his grief experience and shared their article on his Instagram Story with the message: "Me and mum thank everyone so much for the support."
Viewers have flooded social media with messages of support, with one writing: "Dylan and his mum's story about their brother/son is absolutely heartbreaking," while another added: "Protect Dylan at all costs."
The emotional episode has sparked important conversations about mental health and suicide awareness, with Dylan's brave decision to share his personal story helping to break down stigma around discussing such difficult topics publicly.
