Brookside's Ricky Tomlinson agrees to 'let this one slide' as he and Sue Johnston make Tory discovery

Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson
-Credit: (Image: ITV)


Liverpool legends Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston are reuniting once again on screen tonight. The two shot to stardom together as husband-and-wife Bobby and Sheila Grant in Channel 4's Brookside back in the 1980s, before reprising their onscreen marriage as Jim and Barbara in The Royle Family on BBC in the late 1990s.

Earlier this year, the pair also starred in Ricky, Sue and a Trip or Two, which premiered on More4 and saw them revisit some of the places in Liverpool that shaped their lives. For the last 40 years, the friends have bonded over their love of Liverpool, social justice and left-wing politics.

And now they're back on screen tonight, October 16, as part of ITV's DNA Journey. Using DNA and genealogy, the episode takes them across the UK, reconnecting with lost cousins and unearthing long held family secrets.

READ MORE: Man loves watching Ring doorbell as people approach his Halloween house

READ MORE: Gavin and Stacey star Alison Steadman names one thing she loved from Liverpool school

They're not the first famous faces from our region to participate in the show. In 2023, comedians John Bishop and Johnny Vegas also explored their genealogy.

On tonight's episode, Ricky Tomlinson's story begins with a surprise in the Lake District, as he discovers his family has roots there. Arriving in Ambleside, Ricky is delighted to discover his ancestor would have worked as a tailor - no doubt crossing paths with the literary great and the good such as Dickens and Wordsworth as they spent seasons in the town to gather inspiration.

The cast of Brookside, Ricky Tomlinson who played Robert Grant and Sue Johnston who played Sheila Grant. October 6, 1982
Ricky Tomlinson who played Robert Grant and Sue Johnston who played Sheila Grant. October 6, 1982 -Credit:Mirrorpix

But it’s his social conscience that really grabs Ricky’s heart when he realises his relative was instrumental in speaking out for change for those living in poverty. Ricky said: "I didn’t have a clue.

"I’m really quite pleased to know that. They were obviously not middle class, but they were certainly a little bit above working class, being a business man, and that fills me with joy actually. I’m made up with that.

"I love the social injustice business, because it plays a part in my everyday life. I hate to see people being put on. You’ve got to do something, otherwise nothing changes."

READ MORE: Iconic Liverpool nightclub that was 'the place to be' in the 80s

READ MORE: Hidden railway lies beneath city centre accommodation

Returning to Liverpool in the episode, Ricky is inspired by his relative, trailblazer Jane Cunningham. One of the first ever female journalists in New York in the mid 19th century, her legacy lives on in a club for women once frequented by Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama, an annual award for journalism and most specially for Ricky - her books he can hold in his own hands.

Ricky said: "It was my dream to be a writer…I was like a closet writer for years. This is amazing. You’ve shocked me to the core. I’m quite emotional. What an amazing woman. I’m made up. You’ll never hear me stop talking about this."

Staunch Labour supporter Sue Johnston is also in for a shock when a DNA alert sends her to a former Conservative Club. At the former Conservative Club, Sue discovers she is related to a Tory MP, the early 20th century MP for Tottenham, William Prescott.

Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson in The Royle Family
Sue Johnston and Ricky Tomlinson in The Royle Family -Credit:BBC

According to ITV, Prescott was "a man of his time, a war hero who fights for the best homes for returning soldiers." Ricky agrees to let this one slide, with Sue adding: "I couldn’t be prouder of him, and the qualities he had. It’s something I’d aspire to. I admire him."

The surprises keep coming and Sue discovers she is related to aristocracy - as there’s a Baronet in the family. Sue is ecstatic to connect with William’s grandson, Sir Mark Prescott, 3rd Baronet, a champion trainer for The King’s horse and Sue traces her family line six generations back in Scotland.

Reflecting on their DNA Journey, Sue said: "I know how much social justice matters to you and I think you know it does to me. Everybody we have met, on both sides, has been involved and I feel really proud."

DNA Journey is on ITV tonight, October 16, from 9pm.