Jason Donovan is pleased he traced his ancestors on hit TV show WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? - because it helped him reconnect with his Australian roots after years of living in Britain.
The star is estranged from his mother Sue MCIntosh, who was born Down Under, and he used his appearance on the British version of the show to delve into her history.
He was shocked to discover he is a descendant of both a politician and a convict on his maternal side, but is glad he finally knows the truth about his mother's family.
And Donovan, who settled in Britain nearly 20 years ago, admits he's "proud" to be an Australian despite spending so much time in the U.K.
He says, "Having spent so many years living in the U.K. you tend to forget your origins, you tend to forget what you're about.
"Australia is defined by classless society. Both sides of my ancestry resonate (with) the backbone of this country - a society which is aspirational in that it is based on merit. This journey has made me very proud to be an Australian - this equal society and this new frontier.
"We all have a history - I'm glad that I've touched base with the Australian in me, which originates from my mother. It's a good thing."