First look at Vicky McCLure’s great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on ‘hell ship’ that saw soldiers starve to death

First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death

As a dedicated follower of British television, I find myself deeply moved by the stories that unfold on shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” and the recent episode featuring Vicky McClure is no exception. The emotional journey she embarked on, tracing her family history and uncovering the story of her great grandfather Harry Millership, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors during wartime.


In the moving installment of BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, Vicky McClure revealed a photograph of her dearly departed grandfather for the very first time.

40-year-old actress from Line of Duty finds herself in tears upon discovering that her great-grandfather, Harry Millership, was among the 130,000 soldiers taken captive during wartime, as reported by The Mirror.

As a lifestyle guide, I can empathize deeply with someone who, speaking from his own experience, described himself as weeping profusely and expressing utter terror at the thought of traveling aboard what he referred to as a “nightmarish vessel.” He shared that he would have been paralyzed with fear during this journey, knowing that countless other men were meeting their end on this treacherous voyage.

In the vintage monochrome photo Vicky posted for fans, it shows Harry dressed in his military attire, standing alongside other servicemen.

Vicky sobbed out, “This information overwhelms me, yet I’m heartbroken that he was all by himself and didn’t return home. Strangely, I sense a bond with him, which seems absurd as we’ve never crossed paths before.”

First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death

First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death

At the camp, it was tragically confirmed that Harry fell approximately 30 feet, resulting in his untimely demise. The actress found solace in understanding that he passed away instantly.

Vicky openly acknowledged that she was quite different from the tough personas she portrayed on TV, as she traced her roots and visited a POW camp in Taiwan.

She mentioned: ‘I’ve found much of it challenging. Despite the high-energy programs I perform and my tough exterior in some aspects, I’m actually quite far from being tough.’

In the thrilling episode, it was revealed that Vicky’s grandmother, Jean, was put up for adoption due to being born out of wedlock.

Her adoptive parents terrible abused her, beat her and tried to force her into sex work.

During the show Vicky said: ‘It breaks my heart knowing that she wasn’t given away to good people. I never knew anyone as happy as her but she had such a bad start. In my head it’s her trying to break that chain.’

After Adrian Dunbar hinted at the comeback of Line of Duty during his interview on Good Morning Britain.

First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death
First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death

The 65-year-old actor had portrayed Ted Hastings in the BBC cop series that ran from around 2011 to 2021. This show has now ended, but he is currently appearing in the London West End’s production of Kiss Me, Kate.

On ITV’s program, where hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls were present, Adrian confessed that he will be available for filming once his stage performance concludes in September.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently express that when asked about the potential for another series, it seems promising. Vicky, too, shares this optimism, and so does Martin (Compston).

Everyone seems to agree on this point. It’s likely that both the BBC and Jed Mercurio will have a say in whether or not we proceed with it, whenever that may be.

He added: ‘Hopefully, somebody will make a decision at some point.’

Firstly, Jed needs time to pen down what he plans to create. This process isn’t something that happens quickly. Adrian clarified this to Ed.

Subsequently, the BBC needs to determine both the timing and location for our filming session.

First look at Vicky McCLure's great grandfather who was captured and shipped to prisoner of war camp on 'hell ship' that saw soldiers starve to death

‘Hopefully we’ll get back to Belfast , that’s where we shot everything. It’ll easily be a year.’

The end of next year? Maybe,’ he added.

In May, Adrian shared his hopes for the series to comeback before he ‘gets any older.’

In a statement to The Times, he expressed, “We’re all hoping for its return. It seems fitting that today marks the birthday of both Vicky McClure and Martin Compton, as I don’t want them to grow a day older.”

I’m not excited about growing older, as it seems unsettling to return at an age where we might need wheelchairs or walking aids like a Zimmer frame. (Ted Hastings)

Who Do You Think You Are? is on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer 9pm on 15 August

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2024-08-06 11:20

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