In a deeply moving episode of Long Lost Family airing this Thursday, viewers will witness two extraordinary stories of family separation and heartfelt reunion that span decades of hidden truths and longing.
Jackie's Lifelong Search for a Secret Sister
Sixty-four-year-old Jackie, who now resides in Sussex, appears on tonight's programme (22 January 2026) to seek assistance from presenters Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. Her journey began when she was just twenty years old, after her parents divorced and her mother disclosed a life-altering secret: Jackie had a younger sister who had been placed for adoption.
Growing up with her parents and two brothers, Jackie had no inkling of this sibling's existence. Her mother, however, refused to provide any further details, compelling Jackie to wait until after her mother's passing before she could actively pursue the search herself.
A Lifetime of Wonder and Fear
Speaking candidly during the episode, Jackie reveals the profound emotional turmoil she has endured. 'I can’t just leave it. Knowing there’s someone out there, she’s my flesh and blood,' she says, her voice trembling. 'I’m petrified of looking for her, being, you know, rejected. But I’ve just got to try.'
She describes the constant, daily presence of her unknown sister in her thoughts. 'That’s the most bizarre thing. I’ve never met her... But I just, I don’t know. It’s just love there for her. Every day. I wake up thinking, “Oh, is she awake? What’s she doing?”. Every day she’s on my mind.'
A Successful Search and Overwhelming Joy
Remarkably, the Long Lost Family team managed to locate Jackie's sister, Christine, armed with little more than a date of birth. Christine, who is married and lives in the Wirral, was found, leading to an emotional revelation for Jackie.
When Davina McCall delivers the news, Jackie is visibly shaken and tearful. 'Oh Davina,' she exclaims. 'Oh my God, I’m so happy. That’s just the best news. The best news.'
For her part, Christine recounts her own astonishment upon learning she had a sister. 'When I had heard the news that I actually had a sister it was just like an out of body experience,' she tells the camera. 'It was like I was up there and my body was like down there still and you’re sort of thinking “No, seriously?”'
The siblings' eventual meeting is charged with emotion. Jackie tells Christine, 'Oh my God, I can’t stop looking at you. Honest, it’s like looking at my double.'
Scott's Quest to Find His 'Big Sister'
The episode also features another compelling search, as Scott Shearer asks the presenters for help in finding his estranged sibling, Tina. Scott's story involves a complex family history that remained concealed from him for years.
He grew up in Aldershot believing he lived with his parents, Ted and Sylvia, and his three sisters and two brothers. At the age of twelve, he discovered a shocking truth: Ted and Sylvia were actually his grandparents, his siblings were his aunts and uncles, and his older sister Pauline, who had left home, was his biological mother.
Unravelling a Family Mystery
Pauline had given birth to Tina, followed by twins a year later. After an affair three years on, she welcomed Scott into the world. With four young children, the situation became overwhelming. Tina and the twins were placed for adoption, while Scott was raised by his grandparents.
Scott has since reunited with his mother and the twins, but Tina remained missing. Speaking about her on the show, he says, 'She remains a mystery. An enigma. I have always felt a connection to her even though I have never met her. She is the first born of the clan. She is the big sister and I want her to know she’s always been in our minds. It is not her fault she was adopted. She did nothing wrong and needs to know she is loved.'
A Warm Reunion in Southampton
The Long Lost Family team successfully locates Tina, now a mother of two living in Southampton. Upon learning her brother is searching for her, she expresses surprise and warmth. 'I didn’t know. I can remember some twins that were younger than me. I can remember them as tiny and gorgeous. But this is a massive surprise. It gives you a warmth knowing that somebody you didn’t know about is thinking about you.'
When they finally meet, Scott tells Tina, 'It’s like all your Christmases coming early. You are my big sister. This is one of the best days of my life. Everyone is so excited you have been found. The most important thing is you were never forgotten. You were always in our thoughts. We have always loved you. You were missed. I am proud to have a big sister who is bubbly and funny and as beautiful as she is. It is like we were never apart.'
Long Lost Family continues to deliver powerful narratives of connection and reconciliation, airing on ITV1 and available for streaming on ITVX.
