Who Do You Think You Are? Series 23: what we know so far

With stories of crime and survival spanning from Wales to Kenya, this series of Who Do You Think You Are? promises to be a fascinating one, featuring a wide-ranging cast including actors, sportspeople, presenters and more. 

When is Who Do You Think You Are? on?

Series 23 of Who Do You Think You Are? kicks off with broadcaster and presenter Zoe Ball on 26 May 2026. The series will run in two parts - four episodes will be broadcast weekly from 26 May, and another four will air in the summer.  

The programme maintains its usual slot of Tuesdays at 9PM BST.  

Where to watch Who Do You Think You Are? Series 23 

You can watch each episode live on BBC One, or catch up on BBC iPlayer.  

Who will appear in Who Do You Think You Are? Series 23? 

These are the celebrities featured in Series 23, and the deeply personal stories that they're set to uncover: 

Zoe Ball  

Broadcasting legend Zoe Ball's family history will take her on a journey to Scotland and Cornwall, as she traces stories of resilience on both sides of her family. 

By Bryan Ledgard from Yorkshire, UK - Presenter Zoe Ball, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150149682 

Along the way, she’ll be unpacking themes of crime and mental health. 

Amy Dowden  

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden will delve into her roots in the Welsh countryside, turning her attention to a shocking murder investigation that's a far cry from the sleepy day-to-day life you may expect from rural Wales.  

By Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street - Number 10 - https://www.flickr.com/photos/number10gov/52720307368/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129217120 

What will Amy's family connection be to this scandalous tale? 

Ruth Madeley 

While you may be used to seeing BAFTA-nominated actress Ruth Madeley on the small screen, her deeply personal episode will shed light on the person behind the characters. Intriguingly, she'll trace the story of a secret adoption, combining DNA research with family history records.  

Toby Jones 

Actor Toby Jones' episode will take him on an epic journey from Margate, Kent, to Meerut in northern India. 

By Ralph_PH - EmpireOfLightBFI121022 (30 of 33), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126246124 

While there, he’ll trace a military ancestor whose story prompts Toby to re-examine everything he knew about his family tree. 

Katarina Johnson-Thompson 

Three-time Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson will follow her roots to the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas. Her family's story is one of migration and adversity. 

By filip bossuyt from Kortrijk, Belgium - WK2B0124 katarina jt, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139299832 

On her journey, she'll uncover ancestors who moved to Miami during racial segregation and prevalent racism.  

Dame Harriet Walter 

Stage and screen actress Dame Harriet Walter is known for her powerful dramatic performances, and it seems that drama is a theme reflected in her own family history.  

By TimDuncan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=172183484 

In a tale full of intrigue, she will follow an ancestor who worked in British intelligence during the Second World War, as well as an elusive Italian aristocrat... 

Adeel Akhtar 

BAFTA-winning actor Adeel Akhtar will trace his Indian and Kenyan roots back through the generations to Nairobi. What role did his ancestors play in the city's early formation? 

Joe Swash  

Presenter and EastEnders favourite Joe Swash will be the last to trace his family story. His roots take him to southern Italy, where he finds his ancestors entangled in a dramatic crime.  

You can make amazing discoveries too 

Here at Findmypast, we don't believe in leaving life-changing family history discoveries to the celebrities. We all have surprising stories within our family trees, and by delving deeper, we can uncover things we never would've expected. 

And if you’re after some inspiration to get started, our podcast A Family History Of... is the perfect place to find it. Through the eyes of everyday families just like yours, we tell the stories of major moments in British and Irish history. 

Listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. 

About the author

Daisy Goddard