The Royle Family stars Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston met when they were first cast as husband and wife in Brookside. A meeting that sparked a 40-year long friendship, bonded by their love of Liverpool, social justice and left-wing politics. Now, using DNA and genealogy they are on a journey that will take them across the UK, reconnecting with lost cousins and unearthing long held family secrets.
Scouser Ricky’s story begins with a surprise in the Lake District, as he discovers his family has roots there. Arriving in the stunning surrounds of Ambleside. Ricky’s heart is grabbed when he realises his relative was instrumental in speaking out for change for those living in poverty.
“I love the social injustice business, because it plays a part in my everyday life. I hate to see people being put on. You’ve got to do something, otherwise nothing changes.”
Returning to his beloved Liverpool, Ricky is inspired by his other relatives.
Ricky says: “This is amazing. You’ve shocked me to the core. I’m quite emotional. You’ll never hear me stop talking about this.”
Staunch Labour supporter Sue is in for a shock when a DNA alert sends her to a former Conservative Club.
Reflecting on their DNA Journey, Sue says: “I know how much social justice matters to you and I think you know it does to me. Everybody we have met, on both sides, has been involved and I feel really proud.”
DNA Journey with Ancestry is a Voltage TV, Mitre Studios and Ancestry co-production for ITV.
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