Race Across The World star supported by fans after heartbreaking family tragedy
Jackie, mum of Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn, tearfully shared the heartbreaking story of losing her first husband on Celebrity Race Across the World
A Celebrity Race Across The World contestant has received an outpouring of support from viewers after revealing the heartbreaking loss of her first husband.
This year's BBC programme has delivered numerous poignant scenes, with Strictly favourite Tyler West recounting witnessing a fatal stabbing during his teenage years, and Anita Rani's father Bal contemplating his own mortality.
Tyler has been accompanied by his fiancée and fellow Strictly star Molly Rainford, whilst Anita and Bal have travelled alongside Roman Kemp and sister Harleymoon, plus actor Dylan Llewellyn with his mother Jackie.
In last night's instalment, Jackie became visibly emotional whilst discussing her first husband's passing, which occurred mere days before her son James was born.
Derry Girls actor Dylan had previously shared the devastating loss of his brother James, who took his own life aged 20, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-celebrity-race-across-world-36356630" rel="Follow" target="_self">the Mirror</a>.
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As the teams pressed on towards Colombia and their ultimate checkpoints, having journeyed 5,900km throughout Central America, Jackie courageously revealed the devastating tragedy from her past.
She explained: "When I'm in nature, I feel like I'm close to heaven or something. I think through losses I have, I feel closer to them when I'm in those moments of serenity and beauty."
She described meeting her first husband at 22 and losing him whilst expecting James.
Remembering the devastating moment she learned of his death, she recalled: "I was due to have James on December 19 and on the 21st, there was a knock at the door and those two fluorescent jackets.
"They said, 'We just want to let you know that your husband has been knocked over by a car and killed instantly'."
She went on: "I had James and I found it very difficult on my own. I eventually got my act together and got on in life and coped and I met Barry."
Jackie subsequently wed her second husband Barry, with whom she has Dylan and his elder brother Cameron.
She revealed: "I had three little boys under three. It was absolute chaos."
Growing emotional, Jackie went on: "Losing two people very close in my life definitely has changed me as a person.
"When James had gone I was internalising it and trying to be brave and put on a brave face for the boys. It took me a while to be strong again, but I've had to be strong as a mother to my boys."
Viewers rushed to offer their sympathy, with one posting: "Christ this poor woman's been through a lot."
Another commented: "Oh Jackie. Heartbreaking to lose your husband when you have a young child. And then to lose a child. The strength she has is unbelievable."
A third penned: "Dylan's mum has been through so much trauma I can't cope. This woman is incredible to be still standing."
"No, you're crying. Such a lovely son and mum," someone else remarked, whilst another viewer posted: "Jackie has been through so much, and she still seems so strong, go on girl."
Someone else declared: "Jackie is such a brave, beautiful and kind soul."
Dylan mirrored their sentiments, telling Jackie: "You deserve the world, you're the best mum."
She further stated: "I'm really proud of the way you've grown up, and you probably don't need me anymore.
"I'll always need my mum," he responded.
Celebrity Race Across The World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
