Hollywood superstars rub shoulders with primetime TV favourites and sporting legends in the tenth series of original genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are? when it returns to BBC One this summer.
The new series follows ten household names as they embark on a journey of discovery into their family roots. From heartbreak to laughter, intrigue to surprise, each film captures every step of a celebrity’s mission to learn more about their ancestors’ lives.
Award-winning Hollywood actress and singer-songwriter Minnie Driver goes on the trail of her late father, whom she discovered had a wife and another family while he was with Minnie’s mother. The emotional journey uncovers the mystery of why dad Ronnie apparently threw away a medal awarded to him for his bravery during World War II and leads Minnie to relatives she never knew existed.
England football legend and sports presenter Gary Lineker’s story meanwhile is one of contrasts, from three-times great grandfather James Pratt – sent to prison after being convicted of poaching in Victorian England – to four-times great grandfather Thomas Billingham, who became a respected legal clerk despite being born to an illiterate gardener.
The stellar line-up for the tenth series also features singer and 60s pop icon Marianne Faithfull, The Apprentice and Countdown star Nick Hewer, TV actresses Lesley Sharp and Una Stubbs, comedian Sarah Millican, actor Nigel Havers, EastEnders’ Nitin Ganatra and veteran BBC news reporter and world affairs editor John Simpson.
Executive Producer for Wall to Wall Alex Graham said, “This tenth series shows just why Who Do You Think You Are? has become a jewel in the TV schedule every year. Once again we are privileged to share the most personal stories of some of our best-known stars. This is about unique celebrity stories which you will not see or hear anywhere else – sometimes tragic, sometimes funny, but always compelling.”
