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Jack Whitehall discovers family link to David Dickinson

Human interestHuman interest
Key Points
  • Jack Whitehall discovered a family connection to David Dickinson at a funeral, with the link being through marriage rather than blood.
  • Whitehall's father was mortified by the discovery, and the connection comes after Whitehall's recent wedding to Roxy Horner.
  • David Dickinson has been married to Lorne Lesley since 1968, with a blended family, and credits her with influencing his career.

According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Jack Whitehall described finding out about the connection because David Dickinson was standing on the opposite side of the grave at the funeral. The exact relative whose funeral it was and when it took place have not been disclosed. Whitehall explained that Dickinson is married to a cousin of his mother's, though the specific cousin involved remains unclear.

According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Whitehall described his father, Michael Whitehall, as being mortified by the discovery. The current nature of the relationship between the Whitehall family and David Dickinson is unknown, and Dickinson has not publicly commented on the connection. This revelation comes after Whitehall married Roxy Horner last weekend at Euridge Manor, a 17th-century estate in the Cotswolds.

You know I’m related to David Dickinson? This is my bizarre fact… not by blood, but he's married to a cousin of my mum's.

Jack Whitehall, Comedian

Meanwhile, David Dickinson has been married to Lorne Lesley since 1968. They have two children together, and Dickinson also adopted Lesley's children from a previous marriage, Robert and Katrina. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Dickinson described Lesley as letting him think he is the master of their home, while acknowledging he is not really in charge.

He also praised her background and talent, noting she is half African and half Welsh from Tiger Bay, similar to Shirley Bassey, and has more talent in her little finger than he has in his whole body. According to Daily Express - Showbiz, Dickinson described how meeting Lesley led him to change careers and develop an interest in antiques while traveling the world as her manager.

We found this out because we went to a funeral and David Dickinson was stood on the other side of the grave.

Jack Whitehall, Comedian

He was glowing.

Jack Whitehall, Comedian

My dad was absolutely mortified. He was like, 'We will never speak of this again'.

Jack Whitehall, Comedian

Lorne lets me think I’m the master of my own home. Any woman who knows what she’s doing lets her man think he's in charge - but we know we’re not really.

David Dickinson, TV personality and antiques dealer

Lorne is half African and half Welsh and hails from Tiger Bay, just like Shirley Bassey. She's very glamorous - a lovely, striking lady - and she has more talent in her little finger than I have in my whole body.

David Dickinson, TV personality and antiques dealer

When I met Lorne, I was working in the textile industry but ready for a change of career. As I got to know her better, we decided I should become her manager. Together we travelled the world, and it was during this time that my interest in antiques began to flourish.

David Dickinson, TV personality and antiques dealer
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Daily Mirror - 3am ShowbizDaily Express - Showbiz
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Jack Whitehall discovers family link to David Dickinson | Reed News