In this BBC One documentary series, celebrities go on a journey to trace their ancestors, often with surprising or emotional results. Here are a few of them. What would your research uncover?
Kevin Whatley
Well known for his roles in ‘Inspector Morse’ and ‘Lewis’, actor Kevin Whatley traced his ancestors back to the 1700s. He was related to Robert Thompson, a major in the Civil War, whose commanding officer was Oliver Cromwell! Thompson was also mentioned in Samuel Pepys’ diary. Kevin said the research had been an overwhelming experience.
Zoe Wanamaker
Zoe, star of ‘My Family’, is the daughter of American actor Sam Wanamaker. Sam, a former Communist, left the US at the start of the McCarthy witchhunts. Zoe learned that his parents had left the Ukraine because of anti-Jewish violence. Life was hard in the US, and her grandfather led an industrial dispute. Zoe believes this was where father’s radicalism began.
Rick Stein
TV Chef Rick Stein wanted to learn more about his father Eric’s manic depression. With his German-sounding surname, Eric endured prejudice as a child growing up in the first world war. Later he won a place at Oxford, but had to work in the family business. Reflecting on their strained relationship, Rick said “I always felt I had to make something of myself.”
Barbara Windsor
The ‘EastEnders’ actress was born Barbara Deeks. Her parents were second cousins, and her mother, an Ellis, always looked down on the Deekses. Barbara wanted to know why. She found that her great grandfather, John Deeks, was a skilled bricklayer but the family was always poor. The London Metropolitan Archive revealed that overpopulation in the East End meant huge competition for jobs. By 1889 John was in the workhouse, where he spent the last 20 years of his life. Ironically, Barbara discovered a similar story on her mother’s side.
