Long Lost Family viewers were left reaching for the tissues after a man who was abandoned in a bin as a baby discovered his classmate was actually his half-brother.
The emotional ITV series returned for another instalment on Monday (July 3) with Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell back at the helm.
And for the latest episode – it was Paul Connolly from East London, who was hoping to be reunited with estranged family members.
READ MORE: ITV's Long Lost Family guest believes she was switched at birth in air raid shelter
Born in 1962, Paul had to spend his entire childhood in care after his mum suffered "some kind of breakdown."
At just a few weeks old, his mum “put him out with the rubbish” – with neighbour eventually finding the screaming tot in a bin.
The neighbour called social services and subsequently Paul was put into care.
During the episode, Paul searched for his father’s side of the family – in particular his birth father, Philip Psaila, also known as Pino.
However, Paul was left devastated when he found out his dad had died in 1968.
The researchers on the show also found out Phillip was a Maltese shop owner – which gave the team more details on Paul’s story.
Talking about his biological mum, Paul said she was “embarrassed that I was illegitimate.”
He added: “She had a tough upbringing and she had to do what she had to do to survive. It was probably the best thing she could have done really.”
But later on, Paul was left stunned when he learned he has a parental half-brother – and in a shocking turn of events, the two even attended the same school.
Paul was left with his jaw on the floor when he was told his brother was Frankie Peroni who attended the same school in Essex.
But despite being schoolmates, the brothers were completely in the dark that they were related.
Paul and Frankie finally reunited after all those years in the episode of Long Last Family.
"Of course it is later in life that we've found each other, but at the same time, I think you've just got to be grateful for everyday," Paul told the cameras.
"I started out looking for my father and instead I found a brother. So the future is bright as they say."
Viewers watching the ITV show were left equally as floored at the revelation.
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There's MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we've got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they'll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We'll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won't regret it…
“Unbelievably amazing that Paul and Frankie went to the same school in Dagenham! Such a shame their paths never crossed,” said one person.
Another added: “One of the best Long Lost Family I have seen, can’t believe those brothers are in their 60’s though…. But honestly one of my favs.”
A third agreed: “Tonight’s episode of Long Lost Family was the most emotional one I’ve ever watched.”
“Goosebumps. This made me cry. Tears of joy though. They are like each other in every way. Got a feeling these two are going to be best of friends,” proclaimed someone else.
Long Lost Family airs on ITV
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
Source: Read Full Article
