King Ant or Dec? One of the TV duo to discover royal connection in new DNA show
Written by News on 02/10/2019
They’re already the kings of British TV – but it turns out that one of Ant and Dec has actual royal blood too.
The TV stars, both from Newcastle, have traced their family histories for the new two-part show, Ant And Dec‘s DNA Journey, with one of the pair being told he is descended from royalty.
Viewers will see the presenters discover a great-grandfather who was a celebrated war hero, and a connection to a former US female wrestling promoter.
Research also uncovers evidence that one of their ancestors’ bones were deemed “of historical importance” – but fans will have to watch the show to find out who.
Prime-time TV favourites, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly picked up the best presenter gong at the National TV Awards for the 18th year in a row earlier this year.
They both said how incredible it was to find out about relatives they never knew about.
“I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to historical events, so to get the chance to research our family history using our DNA was too good an opportunity to pass up,” said McPartlin.
“What we find out is mind-blowing and nothing either of us could ever have imagined. It’s something that will stay with us both forever.”
“A huge part of this was to find out my heritage, especially on my dad’s side,” said Donnelly. “I always thought I knew a fair bit about where I came from but it turns out I was wrong!
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“Whilst it was incredible to find out about the past, what was hugely overwhelming was to meet relatives neither of us knew we had. It was a truly amazing experience.”
Ant or Dec find themselves in esteemed company, with EastEnders star Danny Dyer discovering in 2016 that he is related to Thomas Cromwell, Edward III, William the Conqueror and Henry III during filming for the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?
McPartlin is getting ready for his comeback on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! later this year after taking a break from the show following his arrest for drink-driving in March last year.
Donnelly hosted the live episodes of Britain’s Got Talent on his own, while Holly Willoughby stepped in to co-host I’m A Celebrity during McPartlin’s time off.
Ant And Dec’s DNA Journey will air soon on ITV.
(c) Sky News 2019: King Ant or Dec? One of the TV duo to discover royal connection in new DNA show
