From Paddington Bear to human rights: Kate and Alison's impressive DNA Journey
From ancestors who addressed The House Of Commons to early pioneers of photography, Kate Garraway and Alison Hammond embark on a road trip to find out about their family history using a mix of DNA and genealogy, meeting living family members they never knew existed.
The ITV presenters joined us to tell us how one of them is related to the creator of the nation’s favourite bear, their fascinating link to James Bond and how both of their DNA journeys took them halfway around the world to Jamaica.Talking about why she decided to take part in DNA Journey, Kate said: "I did it partly really to be honest, to be with Alison because I knew her story was going to be amazing and it really is!"
During their journey, it was revealed that Alison's great-great-grandfather was a campaigner for human rights and ended up winning a case at the Houses of Parliament. Alison said: "There's so much more to the story, so many more cliffhangers that happened and so many problems along the way."
Kate added: "Basically her family, her ancestors changed the course of black rights. Through absolute determination, absolute cleverness, absolute sacrifice and fighting and I think we all recognise that in Alison."
Kate's story was equally as fascinating and throughout the journey she discovered that she also had a Jamaican connection and is even related to Paddington Bear. She said: "I love him! When I was at college I used to nick the marmalade and bread from the breakfast which was free and make myself marmalade sandwiches and eat them all day and people would say 'get you Paddington Bear'!