Peter Andre has revealed that his father was sold as a slave, aged 11.
Andre, 42, said it was the only option as the family had no money after the Second World War drew to a close.
Speaking about his father, Savvas Andrea, 82, to the Radio Times, he said: "It’s very interesting with my dad because at 11-years-old in Cyprus, he was sold as a slave.
"There were 13 kids. And they had no food, no money. So some of the kids had to be sold to earn money for the family."
He continued: "And then Dad came back after years. I didn’t know this until recently. And I said, 'Dad, are you serious?' And he said, 'Yeah, but son, that was our life'."
The Strictly Come Dancing contestant - whose parents live in Australia - praised his father's determination.
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"So Dad’s determination, what Dad’s achieved in life, is incredible. He came to London not being able to speak a word of English, learnt a trade – he became a barber – and he still owns a barber’s shop in Paddington."
Andre was born in the UK as one of six children but moved to Australia aged six. His parents were devout Jehovah's Witnesses - something that didn't fit with his ambitions.
Andre left the faith and paved a music career. Speaking about the conflicting views of himself and his parents he said: "Now I know you can do both [music and the church], but I didn’t then. There are certain things you’re not allowed to do. And I was doing them."