DNA Journey: Season 5, Episode 2

5 - 2: Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston

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.