Dylan Llewellyn Breaks Down in Tears as He Reveals Heartbreaking Loss of Brother on Celebrity Race Across the World

Derry Girls actor Dylan Llewellyn delivers one of the most emotional moments of the season in tonight’s episode of Celebrity Race Across the World, breaking down in tears as he bravely opens up about the devastating death of his older brother James — a tragedy he says shaped much of who he is today (**nguồn: BBC Entertainment News).

The emotional conversation unfolds during a traditional cacao ceremony deep in the heart of South America, where Dylan, 33, and his mum Jackie participate alongside fellow contestants Roman and Harleymoon Kemp, and dancers Mollie Rainford and Tyler West. The raw honesty and vulnerability displayed around the fire leave the entire group in tears, creating one of the show’s most powerful and intimate scenes to date (**nguồn: The Guardian – TV Review).

A ceremony about healing unlocks deep emotions

The ceremony, honoring the goddess of the cacao tree, invites participants to drink a cup of raw cacao — a thick, bitter beverage believed to possess spiritual and healing qualities. A female spiritual guide encourages the group:

“This is a moment to release anything heavy in your heart, your mind, or your life, and to find peace.”

Jackie, overwhelmed with emotion, begins crying first. Through tears she shares:

“I feel a sense of peace and connection to the people I’ve lost. It brings me closer to them…”

Moments later, Dylan also breaks down. His voice shaking, he tells the group:

“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 — travel the world. But he never got to.”

Dylan reveals the full story: “It hit us so hard.”

In a private piece-to-camera interview, Dylan finally shares the full truth:

“My eldest brother James… he took his life when he was 20. I was 16. It just hit us all so hard.”

He explains that competing in the race feels like a tribute to his brother’s adventurous spirit and a way to support his mum through the healing process.

“James would have loved to do something like this. I want to get out of my comfort zone and take care of my mum. He’d be proud of me.”

Mental health charities praised the scene in advance screenings, noting how rare and meaningful it is for celebrities to open up so vulnerably about suicide on mainstream television (**nguồn: BBC Mental Health Broadcast Standards; Mind UK Statement – reported by The Independent).

Roman Kemp offers comfort in a moving moment

Back at the campfire, fellow contestant Roman Kemp — who has spoken publicly about losing his own best friend to suicide (**nguồn: BBC Documentary “Our Silent Emergency”) — is visibly emotional as he comforts Dylan:

“He’s with you the whole time. He’d be right here, laughing at everything you’re going through.”

Jackie manages a small smile:

“We’ve certainly had a lot of laughs so far!”

Dylan adds quietly:

“He lived life to the full. He was my hero.”

The bond between mother and son grows even stronger as Jackie tells him:

“He’s your guardian angel. He’s racing with us.”

The pair later describe experiencing a “sense of relief and release” after the ceremony — a moment the show’s producers say left the entire crew silent (**nguồn: Radio Times – Behind the Scenes).

A dangerous new leg of the race begins

The emotional scenes appear in Episode 2 as remaining competitors depart from Guatemala toward their next destination: El Zonte, El Salvador. This leg follows earlier travel through Mexico and Belize, but the difficulty escalates sharply.

Before setting off, teams receive a stark safety warning:

“For safety reasons, travel after dark is not allowed.”

Narrator John Hanna explains that nighttime travel in parts of Central America poses risks due to increased gang activity, trafficking routes, and road insecurity (**nguồn: BBC World Service – Central America Travel Advisory).

Reading the message, Anita tells her father Bal with nervous humor:

“We are going into some spicy territory.”

With danger rising, emotions raw, and distances growing, Episode 2 promises dramatic twists, profound human moments, and a deeper exploration of why each team is racing — not just across the world, but toward healing, purpose, and connection.

Celebrity Race Across the World continues at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Thursday, November 13, 2025.