Six new pairs of celebrities have been signed up to appear in the fifth season of ITV’s DNA Journey which will return to our screens later this year.
The celebrity duos who will be exploring their family history are Royle Family actors and friends Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston who recently presented a Channel Four travel series together called Ricky, Sue and a Trip or Two; comedians Jo Brand and Julian Clary; Cold Feet stars Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris (pictured above); I’m a Celeb friends Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes; Sarah Parish and Jimmy Nesbitt who both star in the hit Netflix series Stay Close plus Life on Mars actors John Simm and Philip Glenister.
The series promises some emotional revelations unearthed using DNA technology and genealogy research. As well as stories from the UK, discoveries will take pairs off to Canada, France and Jamaica.
Expect intriguing stories of unknown ancestors as well as meetings with living relatives and some surprising tear-jerking moments as the celebrities develop a deeper understanding of their roots.
Louise Major, who commissioned the series for ITV said: “DNA Journey is an extraordinary series that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of so many brilliant celebrities. It is a privilege to be granted intimate access to their personal journeys and to share their experiences with the audience. This series is packed with life-changing revelations and gratifying discoveries that are sure to touch everyone’s hearts.”
The series is sponsored by Ancestry who worked with the production company on the research. Brad Argent from Ancestry said: “Solid research, world class science, and a little bit of good luck have uncovered a fantastic line-up of rich and varied stories – all made relatable by a celebrity cast that bring themselves to every moment. It’s such a privilege to be part of this must-see TV.”
When is DNA Journey season five on TV?
We don’t have dates for the new series but we are expecting the first episodes to be shown on ITV in the autumn with the series possibly being shown in two halves.
What is DNA Journey?
DNA Journey is ITV’s major family history series. Similar to BBC One’s Who Do You Think You Are?, it follows celebrities who want to discover more about their family history, but with a couple of differences – each episode pairs up two celebrities to go on their DNA journey together, and they use DNA tests to start their journey.
DNA Journey began with a 2019 show following Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly as they uncovered their family histories. It is produced by Ant and Dec’s production company Mitre Television, along with Voltage TV. Three more series of the programme, featuring other celebrity duos, have been broadcast since then.
Where can I watch DNA Journey?
All past episodes of DNA Journey are available to watch on ITVX.
Who has been on DNA Journey?
The complete lineup of celebrity pairs who’ve previously been on DNA Journey is:
- TV presenters Anthony ‘Ant’ McPartlin and Declan ‘Dec’ Donnelly
- Cricketer Freddie Flintoff and footballer Jamie Redknapp
- TV personalities Alan Carr and Amanda Holden
- Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet and his DJ son Roman.
- The Chase stars Anne Hegerty and Shaun Wallace
- Ice-skating duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
- Actors Maureen Lipman and Rula Lenska
- Comedians Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan
- Daytime TV queens Kate Garraway and Alison Hammond
- Actors Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb
- Comedians Joel Dommett and Tom Allen
- Actors John Bishop and Hugh Bonneville
- Actor and comedian Johnny Vegas and TV presenter and sports journalist Alex Brooker
- Actors Adrian Dunbar and Neil Morrissey
- Professional dancers and sisters Oti and Motsi Mabuse