THIS is the heartbreaking moment a mum reunited with her son on Long Lost Family after 45 years.
Host, Davina McCall revealed the sweet tribute that the adoptive parents did for his real mum.
64-year-old teaching assistant Paula has been searching for her son that she was forced to give up.
The contributor spoke of her difficult childhood in Liverpool on the programme as her parents were heavy drinkers.
She admitted: “In every single way, we were neglected. Rats in the kitchen, dirty dishes and clothes everywhere.
“There was verbal abuse, physical abuse. You’re supposed to be safe at home. And unfortunately, it was a place where we were frightened.”
Paula found some respite at the age of 19 when she found a summer job as a barmaid at a local holiday camp.
After she met a boy at the compound, she fell pregnant and her boyfriend completely disappeared.
She was scared of her chaotic and volatile family life and didn’t want to bring her newborn into the home.
So she made the impossible decision to put her baby up for adoption before giving birth to a boy that she named Lee.
Reflecting on the birth, she explained: “He was tiny and his hair was silver-blonde and he stayed with me for two days.
“He was wrapped up at the side of my bed. I was just looking at him thinking ‘I’m so sorry but you can’t stay with me.’”
After just two days, Paula was left completely heartbroken when Lee was placed into care.
Her social worker called unexpectedly a few weeks later as a couple were keen to adopt the baby with an offer for Paula to meet them.
She admitted that the new parents were very nice to her, and she recalled that they vowed to name their new baby Paul in tribute of her.
The big reveal
The former Big Brother host sat down with Paula, 45 years after she was forced to separate from her child.
Davina revealed: “I’ve got a bit of news for you, your son has been found.”
Paula was left completely speechless as she gently shook her head, as she exclaimed: “I don’t believe that… I just don’t quite… is it real?”
Later it was revealed that the adoptive parents stayed true to their word as they named him Paul in honour of his biological mother.
She always wondered if he was happy growing up, and the ITV team found him living in Liverpool.
He works as a university lecturer and has been married for over 20 years to Owen.
The moment of truth
When he was met by Nicky Campbell, 64, he admitted that he always wondered if his real mother would ever come and look for him.
He also told the presenter that his biological parent made the right choice as he is very close to his adoptive family and had a wonderful childhood.
The contributor said: “If I only get to say ‘Thank you for everything that you’ve given me’, that will make me happy and content.”
Meanwhile, Paula seemed incredibly grateful to the team as she remarked: “I never ever thought that this would happen.”
When mother and son were reunited in Liverpool city centre, Paul immediately noticed their physical similarities and uncanny looks.
He remarked: “I’m definitely yours.”
Paula remarked to the camera: “My hope is for him to continue with his life and for me to be a little part of that. That’s enough for me.”
Paul couldn’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance to his mother[/caption]
He revealed that his biological mother made the correct decision to Nicky Campbell (pictured)[/caption]
Long Lost Family continues on ITV1 and is available to watch on ITVX.
