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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Comedian Tom Allen becomes emotional as he remembers late dad on ITV's DNA Journey

Tom Allen was tearful in remembrance of his late dad as he delved into his family history on ITV's DNA Journey.

The comedian was tracing his family history on third series of the popular show when he took a moment to remember his father, who passed away in December last year.

Speaking alongside fellow comedian Joel Dommett, an emotional Tom, 39, reminisced: "I got booked to do the Royal Variety Show and they had tickets in the front row under the royal box."

He had to take a moment to compose himself as he began to well up. "The day after, my dad said 'oh, if my family had seen you up there on that stage, they wouldn't be able to believe it'."

He continued: "But I suppose it's, I don't know, it just sort of feels like there was a ghost there."

Tom Allen reminisced during DNA Journey (ITV)

Presenter of The Masked Singer, Joel, 37, was clearly touched by the story too as he was seen wiping away a tear from his eye.

Tom shared the tragic news of his dad's death on social media. Taking to Instagram, he revealed his 80-year-old dad suffered a heart attack at home.

He had been open about his close bond with his parents during a number of his stand-up routines. Announcing the news, he wrote: "I’m so sad to report that my wonderful dad has died. It was a total shock. He was with mum and he had a heart attack last night."

He went on to discuss his dad's life and said he was sharing the news in a bid to help him in the "grieving process".

Joel Dommett and Tom Allen tracked their family history (ITV)

He added: "It feels like part of the grieving process that I wanted to tell you: He was a wonderful kind man and we love him very much."

Elsewhere on DNA Journey, Tom discovered he was related to TV presenter Gloria Hunniford. In the lead up to the revelation, Tom admitted: "It's nervous...what if they're irritating? I can't rest!"

Gloria met both Joel and Tom to discover which of the pair she was related to, gushing she loved them both.

Giving her a hug, Tom revealed: "I hear you’re my cousin."

"Is it you?" Gloria asked, before Tom joked: "Oh, you’re disappointed."

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