Renowned actor John Simm has been rocked by a startling revelation in a new ITV series, where he learned that his biological father is not who he believed him to be. The accomplished actor, known for his roles in acclaimed shows like Life On Mars and Doctor Who, joined the ITV project DNA Journey With Ancestry alongside his friend and fellow actor Phil Glenister to delve into their family histories.
For Simm, the investigation took a deeply personal turn when he received DNA results indicating that the man he thought was his father was not biologically related to him. Reflecting on this revelation, he expressed his shock, stating, “everything I thought I knew wasn’t real.” The show begins with Simm recalling conversations with his mother Brenda and undergoing DNA testing, uncovering the truth that his father, Ronald Simm, who had passed away in 2015, was not his biological father.
Detailing the complexities of his parents’ relationship, Simm shared how they split up, had relationships with other people, and then reunited to have him. Despite the emotional turmoil of discovering this unexpected family secret, Simm decided to continue exploring his genealogy to learn more about his biological father, Terence.
During the course of the documentary, Simm and Glenister journey to Yorkshire, where they uncover details about John’s biological father, who passed away in 1998. An emotional moment arises when a historian reveals that John and his father used to frequent the same local working men’s clubs, unbeknownst to each other.
As the revelations unfold, Simm discovers he has a half-sister named Karen from his biological father’s side. The documentary captures the poignant moment when Simm meets Karen and learns more about their shared familial connections, including a surprising revelation that his father also had a penchant for performing, just like him.
Reflecting on the impact of these discoveries, Simm admitted to feeling a sense of relief and closure, particularly grateful that his adoptive father was not alive to be confronted with the news. The journey of self-discovery portrayed in DNA Journey With Ancestry airs on ITV1 and ITVX, with the episode featuring John Simm and Philip Glenister scheduled for October 9.
John Simm’s candid revelations about his family history have shed light on his past and provided him with a deeper understanding of his identity. As he navigates the complexities of his newfound familial connections, Simm’s story serves as a reminder of the profound impact of uncovering one’s roots and heritage.