John Bishop and Hugh Bonneville are the first celebrities to take part in the new series of ITV1’s DNA Journey, which returns to screens on Tuesday, March 7. The unlikely pair, who became friends after a chance encounter in a Covid Vaccination Centre, cement their friendship by discovering their family history.
During the hour-long episode, John is on a mission to learn more about his Irish roots. Hugh, meanwhile, is determined to find out a little more about the truth behind his family name, Bonneville.
Both John and Hugh travel to Dublin after finding out that they both have strong connections to the area. John discovers that his three times removed great grandfather, Andrew, was a skilled musical instrument maker and trade unionist. Hugh, meanwhile, finds out that he has an ancestor who also lived in the area, John, who was a journeyman baker - which means someone who was a qualified baker that worked for others.
Read more: Zachary Levi reveals Welsh roots as he says he loves Wales on The One Show
Considering the random nature of their first meeting, John and Hugh were stunned to find out that they were linked closer than they originally thought. At the end of the episode, the pair discover that the places of work of John’s ancestor Andrew, and Hugh’s ancestor John were, at one point, only four doors apart.
After travelling back to Dublin, John and Hugh are told the news by expert Brad Argent. “That is staggering to be less than 30 yards from each other,” says a stunned John. He then asks Brad: “Do we know if they ever met?”
“It’s four doors down from each other and it’s a bakery. Where did he buy his lunch?” Brad jokes, suggesting that it was highly likely that the pair’s ancestors had come into contact with each other.
“No wonder you moved down south to be near me,” Hugh says to John and the comedian then replies: “Mate, I thought it was a coincidence that you were at the vaccine centre.” A lost for words Hugh says: “That is quite spooky”.
Brad then tells them that it is entirely possible that because both ancestors were staunch trade union men, they likely marched together through the streets of Dublin in support of worker’s rights.
See more from Hugh and John's story watch DNA Journey on ITV1 at 9pm on Tuesday, March 7 or catch up on ITVX. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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