DNA Journey

Critically acclaimed actors, John Simm and Philip Glenister forged their close friendship on set of the iconic drama, Life On Mars. Seventeen years later, the best mates have teamed up for an altogether different kind of adventure - their DNA journey - to delve into their family histories.

When DNA tests reveal unexpected surprises, side by side, the pair navigate their way around revelation after revelation with searing honesty, humour and supportiveness.

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.

Actors James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish embark on a quest to find close connections as they dive into their separate family histories. Sarah discovers the source of her passion for education dates back to the 1800s and her great-great-granduncle who successfully campaigned to make education possible for every child in Scotland and James learns about his grandfather's heroic last stand before he became a prisoner of war to the Germans in the First World War