Declan Donnelly’s long lost family left ‘heartbroken’ he thought they ‘wanted nothing to do with him’

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Declan Donnelly appeared alongside his presenting partner Ant McPartlin last year in a show that saw them reunite with long lost relatives, ITV's DNA Journey.

However, the Geordie star’s American cousins have since expressed "heartbreak" that the star had suggested in his book that he thought they “wanted nothing to do with [him]”.

In the book Once Upon a Tyne, which he co-authored with Ant, he explains that after having a very emotional meeting of his relatives he has lost contact.

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In the book, which evokes the duo’s back and forth presenting style, Dec explained: “There was also Greg and Meg, relatives of mine in Connecticut, who were lovely and… what’s the word I’m looking for?”

“Billionaires,” Ant replied.

Dec then said: "That’s it. I’ve emailed them a few times, but I’ve not heard anything back yet. Either I’ve got the wrong email address, or they want nothing to do with me."

Ant then jokingly retorted: “I know which one my money’s on”.

However, The Sun managed to speak to one of the cousins who had met with Dec in Connecticut, Chris McGuigan, who is adamant that they have not intentionally ignored the star.

Chris told the publication: “We were heartbroken to see he thinks that we would ignore him."

She said: "I was one of the cousins that was part of the DNA Journey Program in the US where we all met and filmed in Connecticut at our cousin Meghann’s home.

"We are stunned here actually, because all of us have been trying to find a way to connect and follow up with Declan since the show — including Meghann.

“I believe there must be terrible miscommunication. Many of us have bonded and it has been wonderful. We would love to have that family connection and heartfelt feeling shared with Declan.”

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However a representative for Dec has since told MailOnline that "all is fine" between the star and his relatives and that “They are all in touch now”.

During the show Dec, as well as Ant, met a lot of his relatives, some of whom where even as rich as he is.

Ant and Dec

When in America, Dec went to meet his cousin Meg and her husband Greg, after finding she was a DNA match.

The couple actually provided a helicopter for his arrival, and there was a large banner on the lawn reading “Welcome Cousin Dec”.

Wow!

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