Sam Thompson, the former star of the reality TV show Made in Chelsea, recently embarked on an unexpected journey into his family history alongside his friend Marvin Humes on ITV's popular genealogy series, DNA Journey. The episode, which aired on June 26, 2025, unveiled surprising truths about Sam's real surname and heritage, leading to moments of shock, laughter, and reflection.
The episode began in Jamaica, where Marvin Humes, a South Londoner and ex-JLS pop star with deep Jamaican roots, explored his family's past. Marvin's grandparents were born in Jamaica before relocating to the UK as part of the Windrush generation in 1958. During the visit, Marvin learned about his formidable maternal great-grandmother, whose strength and determination paved the way for the family's migration and future opportunities. Marvin reflected on this pivotal moment, saying, "She was an incredible woman. Without this event happening in 1958, I wouldn’t be standing here today. She’s the reason. Every single one of my family back home owe everything to her." The pair even visited the harbour where Marvin's great-grandmother had waved off her daughter as she boarded the ship to Britain, bringing the history vividly to life.
While Marvin was immersed in his family's inspiring story, he was taken aback to discover that Sam Thompson knew very little about his own ancestry. Sam, 32, admitted with some embarrassment, "I really don't know why I haven't asked. When you grow up with - I was on a show called Made in Chelsea, it's the posh thing. You almost don't want to know because you almost feel a bit bad." He also revealed a fascinating detail about his name: Thompson isn't his full surname; it is actually De Courcy Thompson. Explaining why the family had shortened it, Sam joked, "One, hard to spell. And two, you sound like a bit of a douche." He also mentioned with a hint of pride, "We have a signet ring!"
As the episode progressed, the duo's journey took them to Northern Ireland, where Sam delved deeper into his lineage. Marvin, ever the playful companion, warned Sam, "It can't be as nice and fluffy and unicorns and rainbows as it's been in Jamaica, and I'm sorry to say it, but it's looking like it's going to be you." This foreshadowed some unsettling revelations. Sam learned that his four-times great-grandfather, Charles Thompson, had lived in Jamaica around 1815. The news visibly unsettled him, and he responded, "That doesn't sound good. That sounds really bad." Marvin, with a theatrical flair, wiped his forehead and quipped, "This is going to get deep."
However, the story took a surprising turn. Rather than a troubling past, Charles Thompson was revealed to have been a prominent figure in the Enniskillen Regiment of Foot, a distinguished unit that played a critical role in the Battle of Waterloo against Napoleon. Sam expressed immense relief and joy, exclaiming, "Oh my god, I'm so happy! Oh, you really scared me! You were all thinking it.." This discovery gave Sam a fresh sense of pride in his heritage, highlighting the complex and often unexpected paths of family histories.
Another twist in the tale was the origin of the "De Courcy" part of Sam's surname. It emerged that Charles's son, Lesley, had fabricated the name De Courcy for his own son Sydney as a means to elevate the family's social standing. Sam found this revelation amusing and candidly remarked, "We faked it and I'm over the moon. I've got a signet ring and it doesn't mean anything. We just gave it to ourselves. It's like those people who buy a knighthood just to call themselves sir or lady. That's us!" This lighthearted confession underscored the human desire for status and identity, as well as the sometimes playful nature of family legacies.
The episode also included a heartwarming moment when Sam discovered a cousin he had never met before during their visit to Northern Ireland, further enriching his connection to his roots.
DNA Journey is a genealogy documentary series that first aired in 2019, produced by Mitre Television, the company owned by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, who remain involved with the show. The programme pairs well-known personalities to explore their ancestry, often uncovering surprising links and stories. This particular episode featuring Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes aired on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
Throughout the episode, viewers witnessed the contrast between Marvin's well-documented family history tied to the Windrush generation and Sam's previously unknown, complex lineage that included both Caribbean connections and military distinction. Their journey highlighted themes of identity, heritage, and the sometimes unexpected truths hidden within family trees.
Sam's candidness about his discomfort with his posh image from Made in Chelsea and his playful admission about his surname's fabrication added a relatable and humorous dimension to the show, making it clear that family histories are rarely straightforward. Meanwhile, Marvin's profound respect for his ancestors and the sacrifices they made provided a touching counterbalance, illustrating the diverse experiences that shape British families.
As the episode closed, both men reflected on the importance of understanding where they come from. Sam remarked, "It's a great sense of pride you have, hearing these things… it's not that long ago, it's only four generations, you can be so proud of so much of that." Their shared journey offered viewers not only a glimpse into their personal stories but also a broader reflection on heritage and identity in modern Britain.
