Coronation Street's Rula Lenska is the descendant of Polish royalty.
The actress is best known for her role as Claudia Colby in the soap, joining back in 2009. She's enjoyed a friendly rivalry with co-star Maureen Lipman - Evelyn Plummer - becoming a dynamic duo over the years.
Not too long ago the stars took part in ITV's DNA Journey where they both traced their roots back centuries. Maureen discovered she was the descendant of Polish immigrants but Rula's past highlighted a much more prestigious descent.
READ MORE: Gogglebox stars swoon as Izzi Warner shows off new look
A surprise coincidence, Poland is where Rula's family is originally from. Her family was of Polish royalty centuries ago and Rula herself is classed as a Countess still today. Both Rula and Maureen found it interesting that despite their somewhat fresh friendship, they have somewhat of a long-standing common history.
Rula discovered her grandmother was a vital part in helping the Jewish community flee Europe during WWII and was known as somewhat of a freedom fighter. She not only helped evacuate Warsaw ghettos but also fed and homed multiple Jewish people who had nothing.
Her father, Major Count Ludwik Łubieński, was personal secretary to Józef Beck, Minister for Foreign Affairs in Poland before the German occupation of the country. Rula's mother, Countess Elżbieta Tyszkiewicz, escaped from Poland to Italy during the occupation. The family fled to the UK in 1946.
Rula said she knew of her family's royal heritage but was astounded at their underground freedom fighting background. Taken back by her family's deeds, she said: "I'm really proud of her. How sad is it that I wasn't old enough to appreciate you and what you've done."
READ NEXT
- Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway 'close to tears' as Rob Rinder sends tribute
- Coronation Street's Cherylee Houston's co-star love, rival soap move and Little Britain role
- Coleen Rooney hits back after 'photoshop' accusation
- Ronan Keating 'not happy' with son Jack's Love Island comments
- Darius Campbell Danesh's ex wife breaks silence on his death aged 41
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
