Few programmes remain at the peak of their powers after 11 series, drawing both widespread acclaim and huge audiences, but Long Lost Family is a special show.
The life-affirming ITV series, which returns for another 10-part run this week, won its second, much-deserved BAFTA in June, for its Born Without Trace strand, and continues to hold a unique place in the hearts of viewers thanks to its joyous and deeply emotional reunions.
Now, as they bring more loved ones back together, presenters Davina McCall, 53, and Nicky Campbell, 60, reveal what we can expect this year…
The first episode follows Lisa Phillips (see box below), who wants to find her birth mum but fears upsetting her adoptive dad. That must have been poignant…
DAVINA Lisa’s wonderful. Adoptive parents sometimes struggle with their children seeking out their birth parents, which stops them [the child] from looking. But Lisa wants to introduce her birth mother to her mum and dad.
NICKY You feel torn. But everyone deserves to know where they came from. I could relate to that [Nicky was adopted as a baby]. I was lucky my mum encouraged me.
Former Liverpool and Leeds United footballer Dominic Matteo is also in the opener. After suffering a brain tumour, he’s looking for his birth mum Margaret. That must have been emotional, particularly when Margaret learnt he’d played for her native Scotland…
NICKY I’ll never forget the look on her face. Imagine the pride! Dominic’s search was driven by his recovery. It was life-changing. If you’re ill, it makes you think, ‘I’ve got to do this now.’
This story is from the July 03, 2021 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 03, 2021 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TOO CLOSE for comfort
Cindy frets when wounded Junior plays games
CONFESSION time
Denise tells the Brannings that daughter Chelsea caused the crush at Peggy’s
Joel MURDERED!
But which of the villain's many haters is to blame?
Love HURTS
Sam's injured when he tries to reunite Nick and Leanne
Girl BOSS!
FELICITY WARD introduces us to the female version of David Brent.
ECHOES of the past
ELEN RHYS on swapping solving crimes in Spain for a murder mystery in her native Wales
True DETECTIVES
We celebrate the crime-crackers who will be unravelling mysteries over the coming months...
Double TROUBLE
MICHAEL MCINTYRE on how fresh twists and star power will make this the best series of The Wheel yet
Time to say GOODBYE...
As Emmerdale legend Zak Dingle passes away, actor LISA RILEY pays tribute to her beloved co-star, the late Steve Halliwell
Power & PASSION!
What to expect from a lavish reworking of Dame Jilly Cooper’s steamy saga, set in the cut-throat world of TV