BBC viewers were moved as actor Dylan Llewellyn broke down talking about his brother’s death on Celebrity Race Across the World
Dylan Llewellyn opened up about losing his brother
Celebrity Race Across the World fans were “heartbroken” as Dylan Llewellyn became emotional over the loss of his brother.
The Big Boys actor is tackling the epic race with his mum Jackie. It sees the celebs travelling 5,900km across central America from Isla Mujeres, the easternmost point of Mexico, to Guajira Peninsula, the northernmost region of South America, on a basic budget.
During Thursday’s instalment (November 13) of the BBC show, some of the teams took part in a ceremony to honour the goddess of the cacao tree as they waited to leave the checkpoint. As they sat around a fire, Dylan opened up about his elder brother James, who died by suicide.
Dylan is taking part with his mum Jackie
“Me and my mum lost someone close,” he told the other contestants. “I lost my brother and my mum lost a son. His name is James. And, yeah, I just wish he could, like, take my place and do this, do all this, and travel the world. But he never got to.”
He said in a piece to camera: “My oldest 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. I think I would have dreamt it for her to have that with James.”
The star was emotional as he talked about his brother
“He is with you the whole time,” said fellow contestant Roman Kemp. “The whole time. He is sat right here.”
“He lived life to the full,” said Dylan. “He was so popular. He had so many friends, like, he was, he was my hero. James was everything I wanted to be.”
“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 went on. “He would be proud of me I think.”
Viewers were moved by the actor’s story, with one posting on X: “Dylan and his mum are breaking my heart.”
Dylan’s brother James died by suicide
“Dylan and his mum’s story about their brother/son is absolutely heart-breaking,” agreed someone else.
“Aww Dylan and his wee mum,” said another viewer, as somebody else posted: “Dylan opening up about his brother James who took his own life at the age of 20. Heartbreaking!!!!!”
As well as Dylan and Roman, who is taking part with his sister Harleymoon, there are two other teams. Broadcaster Anita Rani is competing with her dad Bal, while DJ Tyler West is racing with his actress partner Molly Rainford.
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
Celebrity Race Across the World airs on BBC One