A TalkTV presenter's casual decision to try a home DNA test has unfolded into a profound personal journey, stitching together a family narrative that spans centuries and continents.
From a Simple Kit to a National History Lesson
Peter Cardwell, a host on TalkTV, decided to use a MyHeritage DNA kit live on air, anticipating little more than a light-hearted segment. The results, however, delivered a far deeper and more emotional story than anyone expected. His genetic breakdown provided a vivid snapshot of British Isles history, revealing 55.7% Scottish and Welsh ancestry. This finding directly correlates with the historic Ulster Plantations of the 17th century, when thousands of Scots settled in Northern Ireland.
This data gave tangible proof to a long-held family belief on his mother's side, the McLarens from Sixmilecross in County Tyrone. They have passed down stories of descending from three McLaren brothers who arrived with King William of Orange in 1690, a tale even supported by an 1894 newspaper clipping detailing their arrival and military exploits.
Ancient Origins and a Heartbreaking Discovery
Beyond the initial ethnicity estimate, which also included 22.6% Irish and 17.6% English heritage, the MyHeritage Ancient Origins tool traced Cardwell's lineage back through Roman Britain and the migration periods that followed. His profile showed connections to Roman traders and soldiers, as well as a strong 32.8% Insular Celt signature, linking him to the ancient peoples of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
The most poignant revelation came from MyHeritage's historical records. Peter discovered the story of his great-uncle, Sergeant Navigator Robert Charles McLaren of the RAF. Robert was just 20 years old when he was killed in action in January 1944 on only his second operational mission. The detail that his body was identified by a silver cigarette case brought the human cost of the war into sharp, painful focus for the presenter.
Connecting a Global Family
The test did more than delve into the past; it built bridges to the present. Peter's DNA was matched with 25,523 genetic relatives across the globe. Among these were close cousins in New Zealand, including Ange Pearson and her father Bob, as well as a third cousin, Russ McLaren, who had once met Peter's grandparents during a trip to Ireland in 1988. Reconnecting these lost threads left Cardwell "overjoyed" and eager to plan in-person meetings.
Further technological features from MyHeritage automatically constructed an eight-generation family tree for Peter and used AI to colourise a photograph of his great-great-grandmother, Annie Dunbar, bringing her image vividly to life.
Reflecting on the experience during the live broadcast, Cardwell confessed it was both fascinating and emotional, revealing much about his family he never knew. The segment resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom shared their own stories of genetic discovery in response.
