The ties THAT BIND

NICKY CAMPBELL and DAVINA MCCALL on helping more foundlings seeking answers about their identity

- CAREN CLARK

LONG LOST FAMILY: BORN WITHOUT TRACE NEW MONDAY-WEDNESDAY, 9PM, ITV1 FACTUAL

Since Long Lost Family’s spin-off show Born Without Trace began on ITV in 2019, its dedicated research team has always gone the extra mile, often in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, to help people who were abandoned as babies find out about their birth families and the circumstances surrounding why they were left.

Now, as hosts Nicky Campbell and Davina McCall return with a sixth series this week, more foundlings undertake the brave hunt for answers (see our episode guide, right), including two cousins who are both searching for their roots and a man who was found in an unlicensed foster home.

Here, Davina, 56, and Nicky, 63, reveal why this is such a special programme to work on…

The series has struck such a chord with viewers. What do you think sets it apart?

DAVINA Not knowing about your beginnings or why you were left, or anything about the start of your life, is something only other foundlings can understand. But there are enormous discoveries made that can change your life for ever.

To meet someone you’re related to is the most extraordinary gift.