Sam Thompson says 'we faked it' over family name bombshell on DNA Journey

Sam Thompson has been left gobsmacked after a family history exploration on ITV's 'DNA Journey' presented him with a surprising revelation about his name, only to discover it wasn't quite true.

Joining Marvin Humes on the popular ancestry show 'DNA Journey', the presenter and reality TV favourite set out to trace his lineage, uncovering some unexpected tales along the way.

Starting off in sunny Jamaica, Marvin uncovered moving stories about his ancestors' migration to Britain, while he was stunned to learn that his mate Sam had no clue about his own family's past.

Feeling rather sheepish, the ex-'Made In Chelsea' star confessed: "I really don't know why I haven't asked," as he mused over the potential awkwardness brought by the show's posh image. "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 that Thompson isn't his full surname. The family name is actually De Courcy Thompson and the former Made in Chelsea star explained the decision to drop part of it, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Sam, 32, candidly expressed his views on having a hard-to-spell name and feeling pretentious, cheekily remarking: "We have a signet ring!".

Upon uncovering family history, Marvin flipped the script, cautioning Sam with a mixture of jest and solemnity: "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."

Alarm flickered across Sam's face when learning about his ancestor Charles Thompson's stint in Jamaica in 1815, while Marvin played up the tension, saying: "This is going to get deep."

As historical connections were drawn, Sam anxiously responded: "That doesn't sound good. That sounds really bad."

But, to Sam's delight, the true legacy of Charles Thompson unfolded; he was not what Sam feared but rather a notable figure in defeating Napoleon at Waterloo. An elated Sam exclaimed: "Oh my god, I'm so happy! Oh, you really scared me! You were all thinking it..."

The revelation continued that it was Charles' son Lesley who crafted the De Courcy surname for his own son Sydney, giving the family a veneer of distinction.

Sam laughed as he said: "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!"

You can catch up on DNA Journey on ITVX