Series synopsis
DNA Journey is a British documentary television series that premiered on ITV1 on November 10, 2019. It stars Michael McElhatton and Rory McCann.
Celebrities are given a unique insight into their lives using innovative DNA science and technology to trace their ancestors.
Premise
Celebrities are given a unique insight into their lives using innovative DNA science and technology to trace their ancestors.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Michael McElhatton as Self - Narrator (voice)
- Rory McCann as Self - Narrator (voice)
Guest cast
- Andrew Flintoff as Self
- Jamie Redknapp as Self
- Amanda Holden as Self
- Alan Carr as Self
- Roman Kemp as Self
- Martin Kemp as Self
- Anthony McPartlin as Self
- Declan Donnelly as Self
- Alison Hammond
- Kate Garraway
- Rob Beckett
- Romesh Ranganathan
Episodes
This series spans 5 seasons with 22 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 2 | November 10, 2019 | November 11, 2019 |
| Season 2 | 3 | March 10, 2021 | March 24, 2021 |
| Season 3 | 3 | April 5, 2022 | April 26, 2022 |
| Season 4 | 8 | September 29, 2022 | March 28, 2023 |
| Season 5 | 6 | October 9, 2024 | June 26, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Ant And Decs In episode one of this two part special, Ant and Dec take on their most personal journey yet, uncovering their family histories using a combination of DNA and genealogy. |
November 10, 2019 |
| 2 |
Ant And Decs part 2 Part two of two. Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly embark on a journey to New York to follow the bloodlines of their mothers using DNA analysis and genealogy. There is a surprise for Dec as he finds out he has close family he never knew existed, while Ant's history takes him to the United Nations. After a whirlwind tour of the US, it's back to Ireland to investigate a family secret that Ant's family has been trying to unlock for years. |
November 11, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Jamie Redknapp and Freddie Flintoff Freddie Flintoff and Jamie Redknapp face a new kind of challenge - discovering each other's family history using DNA and genealogy. |
March 10, 2021 |
| 2 |
Amanda Holden and Alan Carr TV personalities Amanda Holden and Alan Carr embrace their family history on a road trip that covers Cornwall, London, and Erith. |
March 17, 2021 |
| 3 |
Martin and Roman Kemp Father and son duo Martin and Roman Kemp take a family road trip of a different kind, one that delves into their family history that spans North London and the North East. |
March 24, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Shaun Wallace and Anne Hegerty Chasers Anne Hegerty and Shaun Wallace set off on a quest to discover where they come from and unearth secrets from their past in a life changing and emotional voyage of discovery. |
April 5, 2022 |
| 2 |
Maureen Lipman and Rula Lenska Actors Dame Maureen Lipman and Rula Lenska, who met on the set of Corrie, come together to embark on a journey to uncover their family history, despite their very different backgrounds. |
April 12, 2022 |
| 3 |
Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean Olympic legends Torvill and Dean embark on a journey that brings them even closer, if that's possible. Chris discovers living relatives on his mum's side, and for Jayne, the origin of her sporting prowess is revealed by a connection to West Ham. |
April 26, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan Comedians and best mates, Rob Beckett and Romesh Ranganathan, go on a road trip to find out about their family history using DNA and genealogy. |
September 29, 2022 |
| 2 |
Alison Hammond and Kate Garraway Daytime queens Kate Garraway and Alison Hammond embark on a road trip to find out about their family histories using a mix of DNA and genealogy. |
October 6, 2022 |
| 3 |
Joel Dommett and Tom Allen Old pals and fellow comedians, Joel Dommett and Tom Allen delve into their family histories as they take a road trip around the UK. |
October 20, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
John Simm and Phil Glenister Actors John Simm and Philip Glenister don't expect some news that a DNA test reveals about John's dad while delving into their family histories. |
October 9, 2024 |
| 2 |
Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston The Royle Family stars Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston use DNA and genealogy to reconnect with lost cousins and unearth long-held family secrets. |
October 16, 2024 |
| 3 |
James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish Actors James Nesbitt and Sarah Parish learn about an educator who fought for working-class children to get an education and a First World War hero. |
October 23, 2024 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | ITV1 |
|---|---|
| First aired | November 10, 2019 |
| Last aired | June 26, 2025 |
| Runtime | 60 minutes |
| Status | continue |
| Schedule | Monday, Sunday at 21:00:00 |