ITV’s groundbreaking factual format, Long Lost Family, has been honoured with a prestigious Hall of Fame award at The Broadcast Awards 2026, recognising its sustained quality, emotional depth, and cultural impact over more than a decade.
The Hall of Fame award, which is in its second year, celebrates programmes that have achieved iconic status in British television, with the honour following in the footsteps of the comedy series Gavin & Stacey, which was the inaugural recipient last year.
Long Lost Family, produced by Wall to Wall for ITV1, is a returning factual hit that has become a stalwart of ITV’s schedule, celebrating a remarkable 15 years on air in the UK. As the judges noted, the statistics behind that longevity are remarkable: the LLF team has conducted 1,320 searches over six continents on behalf of its adopted or abandoned contributors, delivering 887 reunions across the main show and its handful of spin-offs and specials. At its height it has commanded audiences of five million viewers.
Honouring the programme, the judges said:
“The strength of the format is its simplicity and the show’s painstaking research, which delivers moments of pure emotion as powerful, relatable tales are told episode after episode.
Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell (himself adopted) are the perfect hosts. They navigate tricky conversations with warmth and delivering news – good and bad – with genuine empathy. They comfort contributors when required and, more importantly, share in their joy.
“Do you want to see a picture?” McCall or Campbell invariably ask their subjects as they report back on a successful search. There have been around 500 of these photos over they years, as contributors see for the first time the relation they have always dreamt of finding, yet the moment never gets old.
A healthy dose of social history helps keep viewers hooked as personal tales shine a light on issues such as foundlings abandoned at birth; the Mother and Baby Homes that dealt with the “problem” of unmarried mothers in this country and, from the 1940s to the 1970s; and thousands of unaccompanied British children being shipped out to Australia during the 20th Century.
After a decade and a half on air this landmark series still delivers in spades thanks to a dedicated production team, immense attention to detail and outstanding duty of care.
Moving and magnificent, there are plenty of flashier shows on British television, but very few that can point to such a significant contribution. Long Lost Family literally achieves what great television often aspires to do – it brings people together. That is as true of its loyal audience as it is of the people brave enough to take part. “
ITV Controller of Factual, and Commissioner of Long Lost Family, Jo Clinton Davis said:
“This award is a huge testament to the incredible work of the entire team, both on and off-screen. And of course to all the families who have participated over the 15 years.
Long Lost Family and its powerful sibling, Born Without Trace, has touched the lives of millions – and it’s a real example of TV having agency to help people who can’t find their loved ones and bringing them together with such care and compassion – reflected also in the empathy Davina and Nicky bring to the series.
When we commissioned it over 15 years ago it was obvious that here was an idea packed with human drama – the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations – especially perhaps the foundlings – each family unique but each we can identify with.
I’m so proud that 15 years on, it continues to resonate, and captivate audiences. To be inducted into the Hall of Fame means its power has been recognised and it’s a very meaningful and very special honour for all involved.”