Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn breaks down in tears in tonight’s deeply emotional episode of Celebrity Race Across the World, opening up for the first time about the heartbreaking loss of his older brother, James.

The moving scenes take place during an ancient spiritual ceremony in Guatemala, where Dylan, 33, and his mum Jackie join their fellow contestants to participate in a traditional cacao ritual. Sitting in a circle around a glowing fire, the group is encouraged to reflect, release emotional burdens and honour loved ones who have passed.

As the ceremony begins, the spiritual guide tells the contestants:
“This is a special moment for you to let go of anything you no longer need to carry in your heart, your life and your mind — so you can find peace and love.”

Moments later, Jackie begins to cry, explaining how the ritual makes her feel deeply connected to those she has lost.
“I feel a sense of peace and connection to people I have lost in my life. It brings me closer…” she says softly.

Her words move Dylan to tears as he bravely opens up about the tragedy that changed their family forever.
“Me and my mum lost someone close to us,” he shares, voice trembling. “I lost my brother and my mum lost her son. His name is James.”

Fighting back sobs, Dylan adds:
“I just wish he could take my place and do this — travel the world, have this adventure. But he never got to.”

Dylan reveals the devastating truth about James’ death

In a separate piece-to-camera, Dylan explains the heartbreaking details of James’ passing.
“My eldest brother, James… he took his life when he was 20. I was 16. It hit us all so hard — so hard.”

The actor adds that participating in the race is his way of honouring James’ memory:
“Doing this race is like doing it for my brother and my mum. He would’ve loved something like this. I think she’d like to have that kind of journey with a son.”

According to BBC News, mental health awareness and open conversations around grief have been central themes in this year’s series, with producers praising contestants for their willingness to be vulnerable (source: BBC). Similar tributes and emotional revelations have resonated with audiences in previous seasons (source: The Guardian).

Jackie, also crying, describes how much James meant to the family. Roman Kemp — who has been outspoken about mental health following the loss of his own friend Joe Lyons (source: BBC Documentary – Our Silent Emergency) — is visibly moved and gently comforts Dylan.

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

Jackie manages a tearful smile:
“We’ve certainly had a lot of laughs so far!”

Dylan tells the group:
“He lived life to the full. He was so popular, had so many friends. He was my hero.”

Later, reflecting privately, Dylan adds:
“James had all the confidence I wanted. I want to get out of my comfort zone and support my mum. I want to look after her. He would be proud of me, I think.”

By the end of the ceremony, Dylan and Jackie say they feel a “sense of relief and release,” with the moment bringing the mother-son duo closer together.

A challenging stretch in Central America

Dylan and Jackie are one of four celebrity teams still competing. In this episode, the stars continue their journey from Guatemala toward El Zonte, El Salvador, after already navigating Mexico and Belize.

But before setting off, the teams receive a serious safety warning:
“For safety reasons, travel after dark is not allowed on this leg.”

Narrator John Hanna explains that increased nighttime trafficking and crime across parts of Central America means daylight travel is essential for the contestants’ security (source: Reuters).

Anita Rani, who reached the previous checkpoint first with her father Bal and therefore missed the emotional cacao ceremony, reacts nervously:
“We are going into some spicy territory.”

The upcoming leg promises heightened tension, unpredictable travel conditions, and more emotionally raw moments — a combination that has helped make this season one of the most gripping to date (source: Variety).