'LOVE YOU NAN'
Martin and Roman Kemp in floods of tears on DNA Journey as singer is told his gran was sent to a workhouse aged 10
MARTIN and Roman Kemp were in floods of tears on ITV's DNA Journey tonight after the singer was told his gran was sent to a workhouse aged 10.
The pair discovered Martin's grandmother, Eliza Crisp, was ripped away from her dad and brothers after her own mother was sent off to an asylum.
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The Spandau Ballet and EastEnders star, 59, and his son, 28, discovered the heartbreaking childhood story of Eliza early on in the episode, but at the end of the show they visited the workhouse where she had lived for five years.
They tragically heard how the workhouse was "notorious" for beating children until they passed out and it even featured in Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist.
However, records showed Eliza spent her time training to become a maid and landed a decent job running a house when she left in 1911, aged 15.
And Martin became emotional as an expert told him that Eliza turned her life around, finding love with his grandfather Walter and raising five children, including his dad Frank.
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She revealed: "Eliza's mum did come out of the asylum, and Eliza sent money to her.
"Eliza was formidable, she was part of an army of working class women who showed grit and determination and really held the family together."
Speaking through tears, Martin said: "It makes so much sense with how my mum and dad were.
"My dad was the loveliest man, sometimes it just catches up. It was just nice to know that his mum was too. Now I can see where he got it from.
"I miss my dad so much."
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Viewers also got to see where Martin grew up in Islington, North London, and the star revealed he and his Spandau Ballet guitarist brother Gary were born in the same room.
He said: "There was no bath or sink ... it was a house that never had any money but it was filled with love.
"Mum and dad gave us everything we needed, it never felt like I was skint.
"Once or twice I caught my mum crying because she couldn't afford to pay for dinner."
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At the end of their episode, Martin and Roman found Eliza had been given a pauper's funeral in 1950 in St. Pancras Church, which is now often used as a music venue.
She had an unnamed grave, marked only with a number.
Martin said he wanted to arrange for Eliza to have a headstone, and said: "I think my Dad would love it."
"To know she is here is lovely, I get a really warm feeling off it to be honest I really do."
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