The ancient ceremony in South America was meant to be a spiritual experience, but for Dylan Llewellyn, it unlocked a flood of grief. During filming for *Celebrity Race Across the World*, a simple invitation to release what no longer served them opened a door to a pain he’d carried for years – the loss of his brother, James.
Dylan, known for his role in *Derry Girls*, bravely shared the story of James, who tragically took his own life at the age of 20. He spoke of a brother full of life, a hero in his eyes, a vibrant personality whose absence left an unfillable void. The confession wasn’t planned, but the atmosphere, the shared vulnerability, allowed the truth to surface.
His mother, Jackie, was overcome with emotion alongside him, finding a sense of peace in connecting with those she had lost. Dylan’s voice cracked as he expressed a wish that James could be the one experiencing the adventure, the one traveling the world, a journey James was tragically denied.
The weight of the past was palpable. Dylan recounted how James’s death had shattered their family, a blow felt deeply by everyone. He saw the race not just as a competition, but as a tribute to James, a way to honor his memory and fulfill a journey they could have shared.
Fellow contestant Roman Kemp, visibly moved, offered a comforting sentiment: James was with Dylan, present in spirit, laughing at the challenges and cheering him on. Jackie echoed this, declaring James their guardian angel, racing alongside them every step of the way.
Dylan spoke of James’s confidence, a quality he deeply admired and aspired to embody. He wanted to push himself beyond his comfort zone, to support his mother, and to make James proud. It was a journey of healing, a testament to the enduring power of family love in the face of unimaginable loss.
Following the ceremony, Dylan and Jackie described a shared feeling of relief and release. The act of opening up, of acknowledging their grief, had created a space for healing and connection. It was a profoundly personal moment, witnessed by a nation, that resonated with raw honesty.
The emotional scene sparked an outpouring of support online, with viewers sharing condolences and praising Dylan’s courage. His story served as a poignant reminder of the hidden battles many face, and the importance of open conversation surrounding mental health and grief.
