Joe Swash 'feels closer' to his late dad as he travels to Italy in emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are?
Joe was only 12 when his dad diedJoe Swash has embarked on the journey of a lifetime for Who Do You Think You Are? and he’s found the trip has brought him closer to his late dad Ricky.
The actor flew out to Italy to trace his family’s history for the BBC show and it’s had a big impact on him.
Joe not only found retracing his Italian ancestors’ steps “deepened his connection” with them, but it also helped him “reconnect” with his father, who died aged just 39.
Here’s what Joe has said about filming Who Do You Think You Are? and when you can watch the episode.
Joe Swash travels to Italy for Who Do You Think You Are?
With his red hair and freckles, you could be mistaken for not realising Joe’s dad’s side of his family hail from Italy. But the actor, best known for playing Mickey Miller in EastEnders, very much has Italian blood running through his veins.
In his upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, Joe travels from his immediate family’s home in Islington, London, to Senerchia and Avellino Italy.
There, Joe learned all about his ancestors, including his great-great grandfather Guiseppe Raimo. Guiseppe was born in Italy in 1864 and later moved to London, where he worked as a street pianist.
Joe reflects on the journey: “I think it did make me feel closer to my dad. Also, it was something that I knew my dad would have loved to have known about, and a journey he’d have loved to have gone on himself. It was nice to sort of reconnect a little bit.”
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What happened to Joe’s dad?
Joe’s father Ricky was just 39 years old when he died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. Joe was just 12 years old at the time and was the person who called 999 after finding his father unconscious.
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The star previously admitted on Dancing On Ice: “I’m probably so different to the person I would have been if he was… It’s hard, it’s a hard thing.
“I miss my dad every day. There’s so much I’d love to show him. There are so many things I’ve done and experienced that I could have shared with him.”
Ricky had Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.
When is Joe Swash on Who Do You Think You Are?
Joe’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? is the third to air in the current BBC series. It will air at 8pm on Tuesday June 9, 2026, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Tonight, Who Do You Think You Are? viewers will get to see Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden take a look at her family tree. The professional dancer, who is Welsh, is shocked to learn of a murder rumour along the way…
