Who do you think you are turns 20: How BBC hit revealed Danny Dyer’s royal lineage and Judi Dench’s father’s heroics and encouraged millions of Brits to research their own family trees

As I delved into this captivating narrative, I found myself utterly enchanted by the intricacies of human history that unfolded before my eyes. The tales of ordinary people turned extraordinary through time and circumstance were nothing short of breathtaking.

Jot down today’s date, as BBC1’s family history series “Who Do You Think You Are?” is coming back on Thursday. Interestingly enough, keeping precise records of dates becomes crucial for actress Vicky McClure in her journey.

In the premiere of the latest season, the actress from Line of Duty is discovering details about her great-grandfather Thomas. He was a seafarer who journeyed to Canada more than ninety years ago, well before her cherished grandmother, often called ‘Nonna’, came into being.

In one intriguing sequence of meticulous research often found in this beloved show, Vicky studies nautical maps alongside an expert. She concludes that the elderly man embarked on a voyage in January 1925, returned home to his wife Ruby by July… and Nonna was born in December.

Upon fully comprehending the implications, Vicky’s mouth gapes open in shock. “My grandfather can’t be the father of Nonna!” she exclaims, breathless.

As someone who grew up watching this show since its debut two decades ago, I can confidently say that it remains a staple of must-see television for me. The emotional rollercoaster, the tantalizing rumors, the gratification of thorough investigation, and the exhilaration of a tale masterfully told all come together to make this program an unmissable experience. It’s a testament to its enduring appeal that it continues to draw audiences of five million people every week, and I can attest to the fact that each episode leaves me eagerly anticipating the next.

A particularly memorable instance showcases the peak performance of “Who Do You Think You Are?”. In the year 2016, Danny Dyer delved into his family history, focusing on areas around East London such as Newham and Poplar, regions where numerous of his ancestors were employed at the docks.

It’s not surprising that the actor, famed for his role as Mick Carter in EastEnders, hails from such a rich ancestry. However, what left us both astonished was the revelation that his family tree stretches back to the 16th century and Thomas Cromwell, one of Henry VIII’s infamous advisors. Incredibly, Cromwell’s son Gregory wedded Elizabeth Seymour, a sister to Henry’s beloved wife Jane. Notably, these ladies were the direct lineal heirs of Edward III, who reigned England for an impressive 50 years from 1327.

The sheer excitement of the man, realizing he was only 22 generations away from the throne, was quite amusing. ‘It can’t be,’ he exclaimed, amazed. ‘A direct descendant from Edward the Furd? It’s just ridiculous, isn’t it? I think I’m going to splurge on a big, fluffy collar and strut around in it, and if anyone questions me, I’ll simply explain my lineage.’

In simpler terms, according to scientist Adam Rutherford, it’s a fact that we all stem from a few common forebears, some unknown and some well-known. For individuals with primarily British ancestry, they can trace their lineage back to Edward III. This includes his royal ancestors like William the Conqueror and Alfred the Great. Essentially, this means that everyone, including Danny Dyer, is as royal as can be when it comes to their British roots.

Absolutely, we all share ancestry with countless commoners during the Middle Ages. What sets Danny apart is that he has a proven direct lineage without any missing links or assumptions.

Approximately 160 famous personalities have graced our screens on the show, starting back in 2004 with Bill Oddie, Amanda Redman, and Sue Johnston. This season, we’ve seen names like Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm, Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill, and singer Olly Murs join the lineup.

As a devoted follower, I’ve been captivated by it too – the allure of unearthing my roots. This intrigue has inspired millions of fellow Brits to delve into their family history, as revealed by a YouGov poll. Amazingly, around 4.7 million people in the UK have invested in personal DNA tests to uncover their genetic background. The market is vast and profitable; a single year’s subscription to Findmypast.co.uk can set you back close to £200.

Data from Victorian National Archive censuses, available online, have been accessed over 386 million times. In the first month after the 1911 census was made public in 2011, there were approximately 24 million searches conducted. It’s noted that around 70% of people express curiosity about their family history, and I happen to be one of them. During the lockdown, I delved into court records and old newspaper clippings to reconstruct details about my great-great-great grandfather, Thomas Courtain Chivers.

During the grand epoch of the late Victorian era, I found myself serving as the coroner’s officer, stationed in the heart of bustling East London. For almost half a century, I presided over countless inquests and murder trials, my presence becoming as familiar as the city’s cobblestones. Furthermore, I held the solemn role of the undertaker for Poplar, a responsibility that likely saw me laying to rest many of your ancestors, dear friend.

In the TV show, comedian Paul Merton visited a rain-soaked cemetery in Cardiff, standing near an unidentified grave where his grandmother, who was married to a World War I veteran, had passed away during childbirth. This somber scene underscored that not every family history culminates in a noble lineage.

During a trip to the College of Arms, Andrew Lloyd Webber proposed that it was long overdue for him to receive an official family crest. He thought something feline would be fitting, as a tribute to his musical “Cats.” The college’s heraldic expert responded sharply, saying, “We need to discourage people from having excessive domestic pets.”

As Lord L-W was already well-versed in his family history, the experts from the Beeb found him intriguing – and uncovered an array of ancestors that he hadn’t known existed before. Among them were a Victorian missionary who dedicated his life to rescuing prostitutes in the East End, and a soldier who battled at Waterloo.

Occasionally, researchers can delve into just a step or two of family history. For instance, Charles Dance shared that he had limited knowledge about his mother’s background, and barely recalled his father, who passed away in 1949, when young Charles was scarcely four years old.

In this installment, the narrative unfolded a string of fascinating twists, revealing that the character learned his father, Walter, was actually two decades older than previously thought and had participated in the Boer War. Additionally, he found out about half-sisters who he hadn’t known existed before.

As an ardent admirer, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill when I stumbled upon the captivating tales of my ancestors, especially those linked to the legendary Dame Judi Dench. I was utterly amazed to find out that her father, Reginald, had been honored with a Military Cross and bar during the First World War for his gallant deeds on the battlefield. But what truly left me spellbound was the revelation of her lineage traced back to a lady-in-waiting at the 16th-century Danish royal court, on her mother’s side! What a fascinating journey through time and history her family tree has been!

Kate Winslet too discovered she had a Scandinavian ancestor, but this one was a Swedish peasant who was jailed for pilfering potatoes.

In a previous life, her great-great-great-grandfather served in the Grenadier Guards before rising to the position of chief warden at Dartmoor Penitentiary. Coincidentally, Twiggy and Tracey Emin discovered that their ancestors had been penalized with forced labor.

Journalist John Simpson’s great-grandmother, Lela, performed as a daredevil horseback rider in Wild West exhibitions. In these shows, she would stand near a target encircled by electric bulbs while her sharp-shooting partner, Sam Cody, aimed and fired at the bulbs. To minimize the visibility of any injuries caused by shattered glass, Lela wore red leggings during her performances.

She was also the test pilot for a primitive biplane designed by Cody. What a gal!

Wildlife presenter Liz Bonnin was horrified to find out that her three-times-great-grandfather Francois was a Caribbean plantation owner who kept slaves including girls as young as 13. ‘Stop filming,’ she ordered the cameraman, through angry tears.

Famed television baker Dame Mary Berry expressed joy upon discovering an old-fashioned 19th-century bread maker from Norfolk. Sir Ian McKellen was amused when informed about his grandmother’s thespian uncle, Frank Lowe, a Victorian actor who gained fame through his performances in melodramas.

Actor Mark Gatiss, known for his love of spooky and dark stories, became overjoyed upon learning about an Irish forebear who had staked a vampire and interred its body upside-down under a massive rock.

As someone who has traced my ancestry through genealogical research, I can wholeheartedly affirm that Who Do You Think You Are? is a captivating series that brings to light the extraordinary lives of our ancestors. From surviving plagues and civil wars, navigating the Industrial Revolution, enduring religious strife, and witnessing empire-building, each of these individuals was not just a survivor but a remarkable figure in their own right. They lived through tumultuous times and managed to leave behind descendants, proving that even in our ordinary lives today, we are all connected to such extraordinary people from the past.

Discovering their identities and recalling them anew isn’t merely for amusement. It’s a way to pay tribute to them. They are the ones who have given us life, after all.

Read More

• ZEX PREDICTION. ZEX cryptocurrency
• Clash of Clans Troops Tier List for August 2024
• CRV PREDICTION. CRV cryptocurrency
• AMP PREDICTION. AMP cryptocurrency
• UNI PREDICTION. UNI cryptocurrency
• G PREDICTION. G cryptocurrency
• Real Housewives Of Orange County: Gina Kirschenheiter accuses Jennifer Pedranti of ‘squatting’ during heated argument after flag football game
• We need to see Jade and Pete return in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3
• Jim Crockett Era wrestling documentary “When Giants Walked Here” to air on PBS
• Gia Giudice opens up about her finances to clear the air

2024-08-12 01:34