A WOMAN who went in search of her long-lost brother tragically died while the show was working on her case.
Those tuning into Monday evening’s instalment of Long Lost Family were left in “floods of tears” after hearing the story of Jacinta Hickey.
The long-running ITV documentary series – hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell – helps to track down the unknown relatives of those who ask for their help.
In a tear-jerking opening few minutes, Davina explored the story of Jacinta and her desperate search to meet her brother.
The 68-year-old asked the team to help find her younger brother Paul in 2017, but sadly she passed away.
Following the tragic news, the team at ITV got in touch with her daughter Claire to help introduce her to Paul with the help of Sandra, Jacinta’s younger sister.
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As Jacinta’s audition tape played on screen, viewers were left unable to contain their emotions, with dozens taking to Twitter to share their heartache.
Alongside an array of sad-faced emojis, one person penned: “Another week, another cry. Long Lost Family really pulls on the old heartstrings, doesn’t it? So sad to hear at Jacinta.”
Echoing their comments, someone else said: “I’m literally in floods of tears watching this week’s Long Lost Family. So tragic.”
While a third added: “Two minutes into Long Lost Family and I’m crying like a baby. Such an unmissable programme.”
Elsewhere in the episode, viewers met Judy Kenyon who discovered that her mother gave her up for adoption at just 19.
Hoping to find her mother before she runs out of time, Judy asked the team for help while also looking for her namesake sister.
Long Lost Family returns at 9pm on ITV next Monday, 20 June.
