Jack Whitehall revealed his father’s true reaction to discovering a surprising connection to an ITV legend after spotting him at a funeral
Jack Whitehall’s dad ‘absolutely mortified’ to discover he’s related to ITV legend (Image: GETTY)
Jack Whitehall has revealed his father, Michael Whitehall, was left “mortified” to discover their connection to antiques expert David Dickinson. Uncovered in an awkward circumstance – Jack recalled spotting the former Bargain Hunt at a family funeral.
Appearing on Alan Carr’s Life’s A Beach, the 37-year-old said of the surprising link: “You know I’m related to David Dickinson? This is my bizarre fact… not by blood, but he’s married to a cousin of my mum’s.
“We found this out because we went to a funeral and David Dickinson was stood on the other side of the grave,” he continued.
When quizzed about whether David’s famously bronzed complexion is as striking in person as it appears on television, Jack quipped that “he was glowing”.
He described the antiques expert as “more impressive up close,” before revealing how his father took the news of their family tie.
“My dad was absolutely mortified,” he recalled. “He was like, ‘We will never speak of this again’. And obviously, I now want to get it out there as much as I can, far and wide.”
David, 84, has been married to Lorne Lesley since 1968. The couple are understood to have first crossed paths in Manchester, and their romance blossomed from there.
They went on to welcome two children together, while he also adopted her son and daughter from an earlier relationship, Robert and Katrina.
Previously discussing their relationship, the Dickinson’s Real Deal star told The Mirror: “Lorne lets me think I’m the master of my own home. Any woman who knows what she’s doing lets her man think he’s in charge – but we know we’re not really.”
He also sang his wife’s praises, adding: “Lorne is half African and half Welsh and hails from Tiger Bay, just like Shirley Bassey.
“She’s very glamorous – a lovely, striking lady – and she has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body.
“When I met Lorne, I was working in the textile industry but ready for a change of career. As I got to know her better, we decided I should become her manager. Together we travelled the world, and it was during this time that my interest in antiques began to flourish,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jack married Roxy Horner his partner of six years at Euridge Manor, a 17th-century estate in the Cotswolds, last weekend.
The stunning venue, sprawled across 450 acres, boasts a boating lake, an orangery, a helicopter pad, a pergola draped in wisteria and a ballroom.
Reportedly costing £250,000, the couple’s ceremony was attended by a host of celebrity guests, including James Corden, Jamie Redknapp and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.