DNA Trail: The Promise – BBC’s New Podcast on Family, Identity & Truth

A gripping new podcast series from BBC Local, DNA Trail: The Promise, explores a daughter’s relentless pursuit to uncover her father’s hidden family history. Spanning continents and generations, the eight-part series delves into an extraordinary true story of identity, love, and the lengths one woman will go to fulfill a dying promise.

Podcast cover image for DNA Trail: The Promise – A BBC Local investigative series on family, identity, and an unforgettable journey.

A Promise That Leads to an Unforgettable Journey

The story begins with BBC journalist Laura Ancell and her mother, Jayne, embarking on an emotional journey to solve a family mystery. It all started with a deathbed promise Laura made to her father, Billy, vowing to find his biological family—one he never had the chance to meet.

Billy, a charismatic Brighton native, made a shocking discovery in his 30s: the man who had raised him was not his biological father. Armed only with a name—William Anderson—and the knowledge that he had served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Billy set out on a quest to find his real father. Despite successfully tracking him down, he never received a response, leaving him with more questions than answers.

A Clue Hidden in a Tin Box

One of the few tangible clues to Billy’s past was a small tin kept by his mother, Madeleine. Inside, among her cherished belongings, lay a photograph of a younger Madeleine on Brighton beach in 1945, wrapped in the embrace of an unknown man. However, in an eerie twist, his face had been deliberately cut out of the picture—an act that left Billy forever wondering about his origins.

From 1944 to Present Day: A Mystery Spanning Decades

Laura and Jayne’s search unfolds across time and geography, from wartime England to present-day New Zealand. Each new revelation about Billy’s family history brings both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, as mother and daughter come face-to-face with long-buried secrets.

Key Highlights from DNA Trail: The Promise:

A deep dive into a decades-old family mystery that transcends borders.
Emotional twists and unexpected discoveries along the journey.
The power of promises and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter.
The significance of identity and belonging in shaping personal narratives.

“Knowing Where I Come From Is Everything” – Laura’s Personal Quest

Reflecting on her journey, Laura shares, “Knowing where I come from is so important to me. My dad always felt like a big part of him was missing, and when he passed, I felt the same. I had to continue his search—not just for him, but for myself. Uncovering the truth is my way of making him proud.”

A Compelling Listen – BBC’s Commitment to Authentic Storytelling

BBC Controller of Local Audio Commissioning, Chris Burns, describes the podcast as “an extraordinary journey with compelling storytelling and immersive soundscaping. Everyone has a desire to uncover their truth, and Laura’s story is one of determination, resilience, and love. These untold stories are the essence of what BBC Local excels at sharing.”

Twists, Tears, and Unwavering Determination

As Laura and Jayne dive deeper, their resilience is tested by shocking revelations that challenge everything they knew about Billy’s past. However, through moments of laughter and tears, they remain steadfast in their mission. Their journey is not just about finding Billy’s family—it’s about finding closure, understanding, and honoring a promise made in love.

Where to Listen?

DNA Trail: The Promise is available as a complete box set on BBC Sounds from today, Thursday, February 20. Listeners can immerse themselves in this heartfelt investigative journey and experience the emotional rollercoaster firsthand.