Comedian Tom Allen has recently discovered he is related to presenter and Loose Women panellist Gloria Hunniford after taking part in the ITV programme DNA Journey. It comes as the broadcaster has released a teaser clip today, ahead of Thursday's episode showing the celebrities finding out their connection for the first time.
The TV series sees celebrities travel in pairs to explore their family history and in the episode airing on October 20, Tom Allen, who is also known for presenting The Apprentice: You're Fired and formerly Bake Off: The Professionals, joins friend, comedian and The Masked Singer UK host, 37-year-old Joel Dommett. Together they will trace their past from London to Edinburgh and Ireland during the programme.
In the clip shared by ITV on Wednesday, 39-year-old Tom discovers he is cousins, through his mothers’ maternal line, with 82-year-old Gloria Hunniford. He can be seen patiently waiting to meet his presenter relation, alongside Joel.
“I’m so nervous… look I'm biting my nails. It’s really intimidating isn't it the whole thing," Tom tells Joel: "What if they’re slightly irritated by me? It’s exciting but I can’t rest.”
All the stars look shocked and surprised when Gloria appears round the door. Gloria heads over to embrace them both and says: "Oh my goodness. I love both of you! I do, I do! Oh I'm so shocked."
Tom then reveals he is her cousin and not fellow comedian Joel Dommett and Gloria replies: "Is it you? Oh!" to which Tom jokes she is "disappointed".
During the episode, they will also discover the story of how Tom's great grandparents had a criminal past and a career on stage, as well as his grandmother being put up for adoption. Meanwhile Joel will get to know about an ancestor who made inventions that saved thousands of lives and may have helped end the First World War.
DNA Journey will air on Thursday, October 20 from 9pm on ITV and ITV Hub. You can catch up on the series so far over on the ITV Hub.
