Ex TOWIE favourite Mark Wright was knocked for six after finding out his ancestors suffered religious persecution during the Spanish Inquisition.
The reality star will be seen exploring his family’s history in an episode of BBC One’s Who Do You Think You Are? next week.
But the smooth media personality – married to actress Michelle Keegan – discovered those who came before him endured terrible violence after being accused of secretly practising Judaism.
According to the Mirror, Mark’s nine-times great grandfather was arrested in 1696 and tortured for two years in Seville.
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However, David Antonio de Mendoza eventually managed to flee with his wife and children to Amsterdam – despite being subjected to many forms of torture, including an early form of waterboarding.
“How is it possible for human beings to do this to other human beings because of a religion?” an emotional Mark reflects in the programme.
Sadly for de Mendoza, a nephew decided to return to Spain and paid with his life.
A document seen by Mark in the show reveals the nephew, Miguel, was burned at the stake.
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Mark admits during the course of his journey into his family’s past that he cannot comprehend why anyone would have to be treated in such a horrific manner.
He says: “I can’t help but feel angry at the whole Inquisition – angry for my family, my ancestors, that they had to go through that because they followed a religion.
“So what? They weren’t hurting anybody. It’s been a real eye-opener.”
However, Mark does find some comfort in unearthing the shocking information – looking forward in being able to let his grandad know more about their shared ancestors.
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