Hugh Bonneville and John Bishop are stunned to discover a surprising family connection when they star together in an ancestral TV show.
The stars, who first became friends during lockdown after accidentally meeting at a vaccination centre, reveal their story on ITV’s DNA Journey.
The couple find out on the show that Hugh’s ancestor, John Freeman, worked not far from John’s relative, Andrew Keegan.
John, 56, owned a family bakery while Andrew owned a music shop in Capel Street, Dublin.
The men were both trade unionists and, according to the show, they both went to a rally in support of workers’ rights in the 1840s.
Friends: Hugh Bonneville and John Bishop discover a surprising family connection when they embark on an ancestral journey together
Let me take a selfie: They discovered their parentage after becoming friends when they met by chance at Midhurst Pharmacy’s vaccination center during lockdown
After hearing about the bomb, John said, “I thought it was a coincidence that you were at the vaccination center.
“To find out that our ancestors from previous generations worked within 30 meters of each other … only to find that they marched together on the same day and paved the way for discussions of Irish independence … staggering.”
Hugh, 59, added: “It’s quite scary. They’re the sliding doors of fate and time.
“Not only are we friends, but I’d like to believe that Andrew and John used to be friends.”
On the show, the men also uncover other fascinating family information, including about John’s great-great-grandfather, Patrick Reardon.
Patrick started a business in the salt industry and traveled from Ireland to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Hugh’s ancestor Richard Bonniwell rallied to improve working conditions for seafarers in the 1820s, having worked as a naval architect.
It comes after the two stars shared selfies on their respective social media accounts in 2021 following their surprise meeting at Midhurst Riverbank Medical Centre.
Thumbs up! Hugh also posed for a thumbs-up selfie with John when they met at the vaccination centre
Hugh volunteered at his local center to help fight the coronavirus during the pandemic.
Next to a photo of himself and Hugh, John wrote: “You know you picked a fancy place downtown when Hugh Bonneville volunteers here!”
Meanwhile, Hugh shared a similar photo and wrote: “It’s my turn to ask for a selfie. @nobleandstace and I had to step up our welcome game when the one and only @johnbish100 turned up for his vaccination #MidhurstApteek #inoculation.
Hugh was wearing a yellow hi-vis jacket and face mask, which he took off for the photo opportunity with John – who is social distancing.
*DNA Journey starts Tuesday 7 March, ITV and ITVX, 9pm.
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
