Cheryl’s secret cousin is a journalist taken hostage by the Taliban 15 years ago
The women are connected through war hero Joseph Ridley
CHERYL has found out she is related to a journalist who was taken hostage by the Taliban 15 years ago.
The singer learnt that Yvonne Ridley is her distant cousin when she took part in Who Do You Think You Are – that is set to air later this year.
The women are connected through war hero Joseph Ridley – who survived the Battle Of The Somme in 1916.
Despite his war efforts, Joseph – who is Yvonne’s grandfather and Cheryl’s great-great-great grandfather – was labelled the black sheep of the family after he had two children with his housekeeper, following his wife’s death.
Journalist Yvonne’s father is one of the seven children from Joseph’s marriage – while the Fight For This Love singer’s great-great grandmother is one of the children from his relationship with the housekeeper.
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Yvonne discovered the truth about her ancestry when she was taken captive by the Taliban in 2001 and was forced to look into her bloodline.
Recalling what happened, the 58-year-old – who has converted to Islam - said: “They kept saying, ‘Who is your father and who is your father’s father?’ I didn’t know who my grandfather was because he was only ever referred to as Old Man Ridley – the black sheep of the family.”
She has never met the Geordie popstar but is looking forward to watching her learn the truth about her family on the BBC show.
“I’ll enjoy watching her uncover the family tree,” she said.
“I notice she’s launching a perfume soon and I’m launching a book on torture – so exciting times ahead for both of us.”
Yvonne currently lives on the Scottish borders with her fifth husband after converting to Islam, while Cheryl is loved up with One Direction toyboy Liam Payne.
Who Do You Think You Are? Series 13 airs October on BBC1.
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