Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston set to delve deep into their family history alongside best pals Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes in brand new ITV series DNA Journey

Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston will delve deep into their family history in the fifth series of ITV’s DNA Journey.

The Royle Family stars join best friends Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes in the exciting new series, along with four other celebrities.

Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris, Sarah Parish and Jimmy Nesbitt plus John Simm and Philip Glenister are also part of the brand new line-up.

In DNA Journey, the famous duos search for where they come from and discover secrets from their past.

In the new series, the stars will discover life-changing and emotional information about their pasts in life-changing and emotional scenes.

Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston will delve deep into their family history in the fifth series of ITV’s DNA Journey

The Royle Family stars join best friends Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes in the exciting new series, along with four other celebrities

The Royle Family stars join best friends Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes in the exciting new series, along with four other celebrities

The celebrities travel all over the world, from Canada to London and from France to Jamaica.

The show cleverly uses advanced DNA technology and genealogy to unlock hidden secrets from their family trees and discover astonishing revelations about their descendants.

Louise Major, Commissioning Editor, ITV said: ‘DNA Journey is an extraordinary series that offers a unique insight into the lives of so many brilliant celebrities.

“It is a privilege to gain intimate access to their personal journeys and share their experiences with the public.

“This series is packed with life-changing revelations and satisfying discoveries that are sure to touch everyone’s heart.”

The release date of the brand new series is still unknown.

In last year’s series, Oti and Motsi Mabuse broke down in tears when they finally learned information about their grandfather after a DNA test.

The sisters took part in the show Oti and Motsi Mabuse’s DNA Journey in 2023, in an attempt to learn more about their family history.

In DNA Journey, the famous duos search for where they come from and discover secrets from their past (Marvin and Sam in the photo)

In DNA Journey, the famous duos search for where they come from and discover secrets from their past (Marvin and Sam in the photo)

The new series will see the stars discover life-changing and emotional information about their pasts in life-changing and emotional scenes (Sue and Ricky pictured in The Royle Family in 2008)

The new series will see the stars discover life-changing and emotional information about their pasts in life-changing and emotional scenes (Sue and Ricky pictured in The Royle Family in 2008)

The Strictly Come Dancing stars got emotional as they received medals their grandfather received for his work in the armed forces and they also discovered they are distantly related to Nelson Mandela.

In a heartwarming clip from the show, Oti and Motsi wipe away tears as a man tells them their grandfather’s family history.

Oti said: ‘It’s a good thing, it’s an amazing thing. Please don’t think we are sad. One of the missing pieces that we’ve missed for so long and need to hear, it’s a thing of beauty. We are so grateful. These are tears of, “Oh my God!”

The man replied, “You have much to be proud of and all the good deeds your grandfather did.”

Motsi then read out some of the awards their grandfather received, saying: ‘British Defense Medal, War Medal and an African Service Medal.’

“We had no idea we had war medals in the family,” she added.

Oti added: “We tried and everywhere we looked there was nothing. That’s why we have it in our heads that there is nothing in our family. You’ve turned that completely upside down.’

Motsi said the couple couldn’t wait to give the information to their father, who they suspected also knew nothing about it.

In last year's series, Oti and Motsi Mabuse broke down in tears when they finally learned information about their grandfather after a DNA test.

In last year’s series, Oti and Motsi Mabuse broke down in tears when they finally learned information about their grandfather after a DNA test.

The sisters took part in the show Oti and Motsi Mabuse's DNA Journey in 2023 in an attempt to learn more about their family history and discovered that they are distantly related to Nelson Mandela

The sisters took part in the show Oti and Motsi Mabuse’s DNA Journey in 2023 in an attempt to learn more about their family history and discovered that they are distantly related to Nelson Mandela

In another clip, the sisters spoke to another man who tested their DNA and discovered that Nelson Mandela is a “genetic relative” of theirs.

He said, ‘Your group, some very special people belong to your group and are distant genetic relatives of yours.’

Motsi replied: ‘Don’t say Nelson Mandela.’

The man confirmed it was Nelson Mandela, prompting Oti and Motsi to jump up and down for joy as he added: “And Archbishop Desmond Tutu, both.”