Hall of Fame: Long Lost Family

Long Lost Family is a rare show: a returning factual hit that has become a bedrock of ITV’s schedule, with stories of redemption and reunification that enrich the lives of viewers and fundamentally reshape those of its contributors. It is an example of public service broadcasting writ large. 

The programme is celebrating an impressive 15 years on air in the UK, and the statistics behind that longevity are remarkable: the LLF team has conducted 1,320 searches over six continents on behalf of its adopted or abandoned contributors, delivering 887 reunions across the main show and its handful of spin-offs and specials. At its height it commanded audiences of five million viewers.  

The strength of the format is its simplicity and the show’s painstaking research, which delivers moments of pure emotion as powerful, relatable tales are told episode after episode.  

Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell (himself adopted) are the perfect hosts. They navigate tricky conversations with warmth and delivering news – good and bad – with genuine empathy. They comfort contributors when required and, more importantly, share in their joy.  

“Do you want to see a picture?” McCall or Campbell invariably ask their subjects as they report back on a successful search. There have been around 500 of these photos over they years, as contributors see for the first time the relation they have always dreamt of finding, yet the moment never gets old.  

A healthy dose of social history helps keep viewers hooked as personal tales shine a light on issues such as foundlings abandoned at birth; the Mother and Baby Homes that dealt with the “problem” of unmarried mothers in this country and, from the 1940s to the 1970s; and thousands of unaccompanied British children being shipped out to Australia during the 20th Century.  

After a decade and a half on air this landmark series still delivers in spades thanks to a dedicated production team, immense attention to detail and outstanding duty of care. 

Moving and magnificent, there are plenty of flashier shows on British television, but very few that can point to such a significant contribution. Long Lost Family literally achieves what great television often aspires to do – it brings people together. That is as true of its loyal audience as it is of the people brave enough to take part.