Here's who appeared on series 19 of Who Do You Think You Are? UK

4-5 minute read

By Niall Cullen | June 30, 2022

Who Do You Think You Are? UK returned to BBC One in June 2022. Find out which celebrities explored their family trees and discover the must-see moments you might have missed.

Our favourite family history TV show, Who Do You Think You Are? UK was back on the telly during the summer of 2022 and, as usual, we couldn't have been more excited. The BAFTA-winning series that sees famous family trees unravelled kicked off its 19th run on Thursday 26 May 2022.

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In series 18, we were treated to a host of enthralling episodes featuring Dame Judi Dench, Ed Balls, Alex Scott and more. This time, we were glued to our screens as the stars unlocked family stories from Brighton, Scotland, Lithuania and beyond.

When is Who Do You Think You Are? on TV?

The new series of Who Do You Think You Are? started on Thursday 26 May 2022 on BBC One. Episodes aired weekly from then with the exception of Thursday 2 June when there was a break in normal programming for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The series was available to watch as it was broadcast each week on BBC One but if you missed out, you can catch it on-demand on the BBC iPlayer. Here's a quick overview of the celebrities who took part and the moments that made for must-see genealogy TV.

Episode 1: Sue Perkins

This emotional whirlwind of an episode had Sue's trademark humour and humility. Travelling from London to Lithuania, Sue met up with childhood friend and Great British Bake Off co-host, Mel Giedroyc. Sue hoped for some grafters in her family tree.

Using census records, military records and newspapers, Sue traced the story of her grandfather, Albert Edward Perkins, who grew up in the workhouse to become a watchmaker. Another story led her to an Isle of Man alien internee camp during the First World War, where her relative Emil Müller was held.

sue perkins grandmother in the 1921 census

Sue Perkins' grandmother and great-grandparents in the 1921 Census of England and Wales.

Sue followed the trail of another ancestor to Lithuania, where she learned her family were caught up in the horrors of the Second World War.

""Who'd have thought I'd be able to look at all that history through the prism of just my family?""

But all's well that ends well, as Sue, a keen boxer, discovered her ancestor's place of baptism is now a boxing gym. You couldn't write it.

Episode 2: Richard Osman

Known for his quiz show genius and true crime novels, Richard Osman's family story was just as dramatic as any detective thriller.

We started with Thomas Frederick Wright, Richard's grandfather. Desperate for an education, Wright joined the Royal Artillery at a young age - but not before a little brush with the law.

A news story involving Thomas Frederick Wright and his theft of a bicycle, Chichester Observer, 1936.

The news story involving Thomas Frederick Wright and his theft of a bicycle, Chichester Observer, 1936.

His grandfather served in World War 2 and made his way through the ranks. He was promoted to become one of the most senior officers in his regiment, with authority over 500-1000 soldiers, before retiring as a police constable.

Looking further back, we came across the story of fisherman Gabriel Gillam, who became embroiled in a gory murder trial that took the town by storm.

The report of the trial in 1831. View this record here.

With Richard Osman's true crime books becoming bestsellers over recent years, it's amazing the parallels you can find between multiple generations. What a fascinating episode.

Episode 3: Matt Lucas

Funnyman Matt Lucas looked closer at his Jewish roots in his edition. Matt's grandmother came to the UK from Germany in 1939 and he traced her journey through Berlin and Amsterdam, eventually realising that some of his extended relatives were caught up in the horrors of the Holocaust.

Matt followed in his beloved grandmother's footsteps by visiting her childhood home. What an emotional experience that must have been - do you know where your grandparents lived 100 years ago?

Even better, with a jaw-dropping revelation, Matt Lucas ultimately unearthed an incredible ancestral connection to Anne Frank. That's a family story to be proud of if ever there was one.

Episode 4: Anna Maxwell Martin

In an emotional wrecking-ball of an episode, Line of Duty actor and proud parent Anna Maxwell Martin first headed to Northern Ireland to understand more about her father's family.

Anna's uncle Ronald recounted the death of his brother Kenneth, Anna's other uncle, at a young age. This tragic event shaped the family forevermore.

Next, Anna picked up the trail of Maxwell Horne Youngson, her maternal grandfather. When she became an actress, Anna added his name to her own. This compelling journey led Anna to Aberdeen and Glasgow, learning about Maxwell's time in the Aberlour Orphanage, his sisters' struggle to get him out, and the tale of her great-grandfather, Joseph.

King George V and Queen Mary visiting Aberlour Orphanage in 1922

King George V and Queen Mary visited Aberlour Orphanage in 1922, around the time when Maxwell and his sisters lived there.

Illustrated London News, 26 August 1922.

By following Joseph's life, Anna discovered he was born out of wedlock, and made a name for himself as a mason in Australia, before returning to Scotland eight years later and starting a family. Sadly, Joseph's life went downhill from there, constantly finding himself in prison and often assaulting Anna's great-grandmother, Rachel.

"‘To be able to create a loving and safe environment’, for the people you bring into this world, I think is a huge achievement, especially when you’ve had a difficult start.’"

But as we know, all's well that ends well, as Maxwell went on to lead a wonderful, happy life. Anna even got to meet some of her relations, who were able to tell her more about Maxwell and his sisters.

Episode 5: Ralf Little

Finally in this run of Who Do You Think You Are?, actor Ralf Little was ecstatic when he uncovered hidden family connections to football and cemented his heritage in his hometown of Manchester.

Starting by exploring his maternal line, Ralf focused on his grandfather Arthur Bailey, who we tracked down in the 1921 Census.

Ralf Little's grandfather in the 1921 Census

Ralf Little's ancestors in the 1921 Census. View the full record.

This led to some fascinating World War 2 discoveries for Ralf, as well as the confirmation he yearned for - his great grandfather Albert Lockley played international football for Wales.

Just like those before it, series 19 of Who Do You Think You Are? UK brought us more emotional, eye-opening and entertaining family discoveries. Did you tune in? We'd love to hear about your favourite moments. Tag @findmypast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to share your thoughts.

But why should the stars have all the fun? Start your own family tree for free on Findmypast and you'll unlock epic stories that can change how you see your past, and yourself.

Cover photo credit: BBC