DNA Journey With Ancestry

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 is delighted to discover his ancestor would have worked as a tailor, no doubt crossing paths with literary great and good such as Dickens and Wordsworth as they spent seasons in the town to gather inspiration. But it’s his social conscience that really grabs Ricky’s heart when he realises his relative was instrumental in speaking out for change for those living in poverty.

Ricky says: “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.”

Returning to his beloved Liverpool, Ricky is inspired by his relative Jane Cunningham. A trailblazer, she was 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 most specially for Ricky - her books he can hold in his own hands.

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.”

Staunch Labour supporter Sue is in for a shock when a DNA alert sends her to a former Conservative Club.

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.”

At the former Conservative Club, Sue discovers she is related to her mortal enemy - a Tory MP. But the early 20th century MP for Tottenham, William Prescott, is a man of his time, a war hero who fights for the best homes for returning soldiers. Ricky agrees to let this one slide.

Sue says: “I couldn’t be prouder of him, and the qualities he had. It’s something I’d aspire to. I admire him.”

But the surprises keep coming and Sue discovers she is related to aristocracy - there’s a Baronet in the family. Sue is ecstatic to connect with William’s grandson, Sir Mark Prescott, 3rd Baronet, a champion trainer for The King’s horse.  She also traces her family line six generations back in Scotland.

Ricky jokes with Sue: “You’ll have to up your game a bit now, Sue.”

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.