7 Things Long Lost Family Has Taught US...

Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall on the lessons they’ve learnt from seven years of reuniting relatives

- Caren Clark

1 Don’t put things off

Davina: You think, ‘I’ve got all the time in the world to do that.’ But sometimes you haven’t, life happens and you might miss something. If you want to do something, then do it. That’s not just relevant to looking for your family; I hear from lots of people saying, ‘I wish I had done such and such sooner. Why did I wait so long?’

Often it’s down to fear and that’s terrible because a life lived in fear is a life half-lived. With all our people featured on Long Lost Family, at least they learn something that means they can move on. The worst-case scenario is that you get bad news that somebody doesn’t want to be contacted, but at least you know. Being stuck in limbo is worse.

2 TV can change lives

Nicky: When you work in TV, it’s sometimes seen as superficial and here today and gone tomorrow. But being a part of a programme like Long Lost Family, which makes someone’s world a better place, is incredibly fulfilling and something I will never ever forget. I thank my lucky stars every day I am doing this.

3 Secrets can destroy families