‘Made in Chelsea’ star Sam Thompson reunited with long lost cousin in Limavady

‘I’m a Celeb’ and ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Sam Thompson has been reunited with family in the County Derry town of Limavady. 

Sam took part in ITV show DNA Journey where he traced his ancestry back to Northern Ireland and County Derry in particular. 

In the show Sam can be seen pulling up to Drenagh Estate in Limavady to meet his relative Conolly Patrick McCausland. 

Sam who admittedly knew nothing about his family lineage shows excitement when he receives a text to say he has a DNA cousin in Limavady. 

Pulling up to the Drenagh estate with friend and JLS star Marvin Humes, who joined him on the journey, Sam looked visibly shocked and joked that he was ‘never leaving’. 

The connection between Sam and Mr McCausland traces back to Sam's paternal line. The common ancestor being Robert McCausland who is Sam’s seven times and Conolly’s six times great-grandfather. Robert’s great-granddaughter Harriet Lecky married Sam’s four times great-grandfather Charles Thompson.

During the chat with Conolly, Sam manages to uncover some exciting details about the lives of his ancestors. Conolly also shares with Sam the trials and tribulations of running a stately home. 

ABOVE: Sam Thompson meets his cousin Conolly McCausland at Drenagh Estate, Limavady

Drenagh has been the home of the McCausland family since 1729. Today the stunning Georgian Stately Home is open for exclusive house lets, events and weddings.

During the trip Sam also visited Carrickfergus Castle to uncover more about Charles Thompson. The reality star’s four times great-grandfather who hailed from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh was a Commanding Officer of the Inniskilling Regiment of Foot, in the British Army. He played a defining role in the Battle of Maida between the British and French in 1806. 

You can now watch the full episode of DNA Journey on ITVX.