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- Dylan Llewellyn shared the story of his brother’s suicide on Celebrity Race Across the World
- Fans and fellow participants showed overwhelming support after Dylan’s emotional moment
- Dylan expressed gratitude for the response and reflected on his journey as a tribute to his brother
A Celebrity Race Across the World contestant has thanked BBC viewers for their support after he broke down in tears, revealing his brother’s suicide at the age of 20.
Derry Girls actor Dylan Llewellyn bravely shared the story of his brother’s death in this week’s BBC One episode, during an ancient ceremony in South America.
Since the emotional scene aired, Dylan spoke to the bereavement support charity Cruse about his experience of grief and shared the article to his Instagram Story.
He wrote alongside the post: ‘Me and mum thank everyone so much for the support.’
The 33-year-old opened up about the tragedy while sitting around a fire alongside his fellow Race Across The World contestants, including Roman Kemp and his sister Harleymoon, Strictly star Molly Rainford and Ty West.
After the contestants were told to drink a cup of cacao as part of the ceremony, a female spiritual guide said: ‘This is a special moment for you to let go today of anything you no longer need to be carrying in your heart, your life and your mind to find peace and love.’
Shortly afterwards, Dylan’s mum Jackie began to cry, telling the group: ‘I feel a sense of peace and connection to people I have lost in my life. It brings me closer.’
Dylan was then left fighting back tears as he explained: ‘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.’
Dylan went on to reveal how his brother James died in a separate piece to camera, saying: ‘My eldest brother James, he took his life when he was 20. I was 16. 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. I think she’d like to have that kind of journey with a son.’
As the camera then returned to the campfire, his fellow competitor Roman, who was also tearful, told him: ‘He’s with you the whole time. He’d be sat right here, he’d be laughing at everything you’re going through.’
Managing a smile, Jackie replied: ‘We’ve certainly had a lot of laughs so far!’
Dylan also told the group: ‘He lived life to the full. He was so popular, he had so many friends. He was my hero… I know he’s with us,’ before Jackie told him: ‘He’s your guardian angel. He’s racing with us.’
In another separate interview, Dylan then added: ‘James was everything I wanted to be with his confidence. I really want to get out of my comfort zone and support my mum, because I want to look after her on this trip because she deserves it. He would be proud of me I think.’
The pair later confided in each other, saying they felt a ‘sense of relief and release’ following the ceremony.
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Responding to the emotional moment on social media, several viewers shared their condolences.
@fadeeeintoyou wrote on X: ‘Dylan and his mum’s story about their brother/son is absolutely heartbreaking.’
@RyanSoapKing25 also said: ‘Dylan opening up about his younger brother James who took his own life at the age of 20. Heartbreaking!!!!!’
@Lizzie89x added: ‘Protect Dylan at all costs.’
Meanwhile, @fadeeeintoyou wrote: ‘Dylan and his mum’s story about their brother/son is absolutely heartbreaking.’
A version of this article was first published on November 13.
Celebrity Race Across The World is available to watch on BBC and iPlayer.
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