HOW DID THEY COPE WITH BEING AWAY FROM HOME FOR SO LONG?
WHEN ITV offered the trip of a lifetime to Adam, Ryan, and Scott Thomas, they jumped at the chance.
The celebrity siblings would join forces for the aptly titled Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai; a six-part series that sees the trio – and their father Dougie – set off on an adventure to explore their Indian roots. time the foursome had been to India.
It was an eyeopener, from the densely populated city of Mumbai to the tranquil beaches of Goa.
Yet there’s so much ground still to cover, says Ryan: “We wanted to see the Taj Mahal, stuff like that, but it took a whole day to get there!”
“Every day was just fun-packed; we did something new and put ourselves into situations we’d never been in before,” says Adam. “We went to a dance school in slums where
“I’VE been away from Scarlett for long periods if I’ve had to work, like on Bear Grylls or Big Brother, so I know that feeling,” admits Ryan, who has an 11-year-old daughter with ex partner, actress Tina O’brien; and recently welcomed a son with fitness mogul, Lucy Mecklenburgh.
“It’s more difficult for Adam because he’s never been away from his kids.”
Similarly, the others found themselves evaluating life back home too.
“You cannot help but do that,” Adam muses. “We went to the slums and saw all these kids and markets where people are selling fruit and veg – and living there – and yet they’re so content and happy.”
But he adds: “These kids are just barefoot walking the streets.
“It breaks your heart, man. And that’s why we do want to do something to give back.”
The idea is to put together a book of Adam’s photographs – with the proceeds going back to the source, Scott adds.
“There’s no way we can go over there and not give something back.”
In addition, the trip did a lot for the brothers’ relationship with dad, Dougie, too, who had not always been present in their lives.
The emotions came to a head on the last day of the trip, Scott recalls.
“Basically my dad had to answer some questions and it got very emotional,” he explains.
“He tries to laugh things off, but this was a time we were like, ‘You’ve got time here to speak to your three sons and be honest’.”
“The questions had never been asked,” Adam adds. “So we got some answers out of him, not everything. It was really sad, it came from nowhere, but it was the best thing that ever happened.”
“That’s what’s amazing about this show: that’s the only time we’ve ever spoken about it and will probably be the last time,” Ryan concludes.
“We’re seen as really close – but what is a perfect family?” Ryan asks.
“Ours isn’t perfect, but it’s ‘our perfect’ and I wouldn’t change anything.
“It was one of the best times we’ve had together, ever. Bonding-wise, we’ve done some nice stuff together, but this was the pinnacle for us.” ●●Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai starts on ITV, next Wednesday at 8pm.