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Celebrity uncovers his Irish roots Impressionist Alistair
McGowan has a unique flair for mimicking accents but his previous attempts
at taking-off the Irish brogue could have more to do with genetics than
talent.
The star is the latest celebrity to discover unknown Irish roots thanks
to the popular BBC series Who Do You Think You Are?
The show which traces celebrities’ families’ heritage has
already unearthed Irish ancestry among stars such as David Tennant, Barbara
Windsor and Jeremy Irons.
But just a few weeks ago John Hurt expressed great sadness and disbelief
when it was revealed his Irish aristocratic ancestry was nothing more
than a family myth.
McGowan who considers Edinburgh his spiritual home and loves Glasgow was
equally astonished by the shows discovery of where his forefathers came
from.
The show discovered that the British half of his family came from Ireland
— not Scotland.
He said: “So I’m, not even anywhere near Scottish. I can’t
believe that I’m Irish.
“I still haven’t come to terms with it. I was desperate to
be Scottish. I’ve always felt an affinity with Scotland.
“Everyone has always thought I have a Scottish name and presumed
I’m Scottish —and so have I.”
Alistair’s ancestor John first moved to India from Ireland in 1765
and became the first McGowan male to marry and Indian woman.
Illustrating his sharp-witted demeanour he quipped on the show: “What
am I going to say? My name’s Séamus Singh.”
Despite the evidence, Alistair is determined to reclaim his Scots heritage.
He said: “I still reckon they came from Scotland and travelled to
Ireland. The whole process was just extraordinary.” |
