John Simm is reunited with old friend and Life on Mars co-star Philip Glenister in tonight's episode of 'DNA Journey' on ITV1 at 9pm. It is the first episode in the 6th series of the show. In a post on Instagram today he joked "It involves time travel...of sorts".
The series, which is produced in association with Ancestry, sees celebrity pairings undertake advanced DNA tests which often reveal hidden secrets from their family trees and uncover fascinating stories of unknown ancestors.
In this dramatic first episode John discovers that his dad is not his biological father and is followed on a journey as he discovers his new biological line and the story of his biological father who he never knew...as well as a meeting with his half-sister Karen.
He reveals ""It spun my world, and everything I thought I knew, wasn't real. It's turned out to be such a massive thing in my life and all I was doing was a favour for Phil Glenister so he didn't have to do it on his own."
He also recalls a conversation he had with his mother before taking the DNA test: "When they had me, in the '60s, they were both young…they were together and then they split up and were both with other people and then they got back together and then they had me. And I'd never heard this story before."
He explains that his parents had spoken to a doctor at the time: "And the doctor said, 'It's absolutely fine, the dates are fine.' But it turns out he isn't my biological father. Which is a bit of a shock."
Tune in at 9pm tonight, Wednesday 9th October, on ITV1 or stream later on ITVX to see the gripping episode which captures John's stoicism, humour and grace in the face of the unknown.
Further celebrity journeys in the series include Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris, Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes, Sarah Parish and Jimmy Nesbitt.
John Simm is available for voiceovers from Anthea Represents. Click his image for his profile page and voiceover showreel.
