Comedian John Bishop has explained why he has such a strong Liverpool accent despite not growing up in the city after a surprise twist at the start of ITV's DNA Journey. John, 56, traced his family history alongside Downton Abbey star, Hugh Bonneville, on the latest episode of the popular ITV programme, reports The Echo.
John was born in Liverpool but his family moved to Winsford in Cheshire, and that is where he grew up. John said he was 'properly thrown' when the town turned out to be the first stop on his DNA Journey.
John said his family moved from Liverpool when their house was being demolished. Winsford was among the towns they were given an option of moving to. John said a lot of people in Liverpool made the same move - meaning that despite growing up in Cheshire he had a Scouse community.
He told Hugh: "That's why I've got a strong accent because it was their, sort of, identity." John explained how it seemed like "miles away" when his family made the move to Cheshire.
But he was blown away to discover his distant ancestor, Patrick Reardon, worked on the salt mines in Winsford. John's great, great, great, grandad was originally from Ireland and made the move to Liverpool before relocating to the town.
John explained how he always felt an affinity to Ireland. John and Hugh discovered a connection as they found their ancestors worked on the same road in Dublin and marched together in support of workers' rights.
