Eddie Izzard: 'I'm 2.8% Neanderthal'

Name: Eddie Izzard: 'I'm 2.8% Neanderthal'
Uploaded: 2013-02-19T14:05:53.000Z
Duration: 4 min 54 s
Description: While using comedian Eddie Izzard's DNA to trace the migration of his ancestors out of Africa and into Europe, geneticist Dr Jim Wilson has discovered that Izzard is 2.8% Neanderthal.

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While using comedian Eddie Izzard's DNA to trace the migration of his ancestors out of Africa and into Europe, geneticist Dr Jim Wilson has discovered that Izzard is 2.8% Neanderthal. This means he has more Neanderthal genes than most people.

In 2010 scientists made a discovery that all human populations that spread out of Africa have a small amount of Neanderthal DNA in them.

A simple saliva swab and the latest DNA science are helping Eddie Izzard explore the secrets of his family history.

Find out more in Meet the Izzards on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 February at 21:00 GMT on BBC One. Or catch up later on BBC iPlayer

Science & Environment

20 February 2013