Ricky Tomlinson 'didn't have a clue' as he uncovers family's hidden past

Ricky Tomlinson admitted he "didn't have a clue" as his family's hidden past was laid bare. The Royle Family star was stunned to learn where his relatives had their roots - before being thrilled about one ancestor in particular.

The actor was teamed with former Brookside co-star and friend of 40 years Sue Johnston for DNA Journey with Ancestry. The ITV series sees six new celebrity pairings setting off in pursuit of where they came from - meeting newly found relatives and unearthing secrets from their past along the way.

Viewers will see the famous Liverpudlian's own emotional voyage of discovery beginning with a surprise. Researchers found his ancestor worked as a tailor in Ambleside in the Lake District, crossing paths with literary great and good such as Dickens and Wordsworth as they spent seasons in the town to gather inspiration. And his relative was instrumental in speaking out for change for those living in poverty.

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Ricky said: “I didn’t have a clue. I’m really quite pleased to know that. They were obviously not middle class, but they were certainly a little bit above working class, being a business man, and that fills me with joy actually. I’m made up with that.

“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."

Later Ricky returns to his beloved Liverpool, where he is inspired by his trailblazing relative Jane Cunningham, one of the first ever female journalists in New York in the mid 19th century. Her legacy lives on in a club for women once frequented by Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama, an annual award for journalism and her books.

Ricky says: “It was my dream to be a writer…I was like a closet writer for years. This is amazing. You’ve shocked me to the core. I’m quite emotional. What an amazing woman. I’m made up. You’ll never hear me stop talking about this."

Meanwhile staunch Labour supporter Sue is in for a shock when a DNA alert sends her to a former Conservative Club. And there she discovers she is related to her mortal enemy - a Tory MP.

Ricky jokes: “If it all goes wrong can I get another car to go home in? You know, you get tarred with the same brush.”

The first three episodes of DNA Journey with Ancestry are on ITVX from Wednesday (October 9). The first episode on ITV1 on Wednesday features John Simm and Philip Glenister.

Ricky and Sue's story is in episode two and will air on ITV1 on Wednesday, October 16 at 9pm, with James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish in episode three. Episodes four, five and six of the series will follow in 2025.