Over two decades have passed since comedian and environmental advocate Bill Oddie became the inaugural celebrity to explore his ancestry on the BBC’s genealogy program, Who Do You Think You Are?. This show has since established itself as a beloved fixture in BBC programming, airing over 170 episodes that have unveiled a plethora of surprising facts about the familial histories of its participants and viewers alike.

With the arrival of a new season featuring episodes starring Andrew Garfield and Mishal Husain, we reflect on some of the most captivating episodes from the series over the years.

From uncovering royal lineages to delving into unsettling family secrets, the show has delivered memorable moments in every season.

Here are our top ten episodes, and we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments section below.

10. Emma Willis

While many participants hope to uncover uplifting family stories, Emma Willis’s journey revealed a complicated legacy. Seeking to trace her roots in Birmingham, she discovered that her three-times great-grandfather, James Gretton, was an influential entrepreneur in the city. However, her trip to Ireland led to darker discoveries; her five-times great-grandfather, Richard Fowler, allegedly perpetrated brutality against republicans.

9. Josh Widdicombe

Comedian Josh Widdicombe’s exploration of his ancestry revealed unexpected connections to nobility, including the Earl of Holland and a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. Furthermore, he unraveled a love triangle involving his 12-times great-grandmother and Queen Elizabeth, hinting at a possible lineage to Henry VIII. Widdicombe humorously stated, “I was just expecting a couple of farmers; this is proper blue blood, isn’t it?”

8. Lesley Garrett

Lesley Garrett’s episode took a darker turn as she unearthed a family secret about her two-times great-grandfather. While presented as a local leader, it was revealed that Charles may have been responsible for his wife’s death due to suspicious circumstances surrounding her medication. Despite an inquest ruling, family suspicions led them to sever ties with him completely.

7. Matt Lucas

In a deeply emotional episode, comedian Matt Lucas delved into the history of his Holocaust-survivor grandmother, Margot, who fled Nazi Germany in 1939. His journey to Berlin and Amsterdam highlighted the devastating impact of the war on his family, leading to an unexpected connection to Anne Frank.

6. Jeremy Paxman

This episode may not have featured shocking findings, but it was nonetheless poignant. Journalist Jeremy Paxman approached his family’s past with a casual attitude until he discovered the severe hardships faced by his ancestors in Glasgow. His reflections on this painful history made for an especially inspiring viewing experience.

5. Alan Cumming

Actor Alan Cumming’s investigation into his grandfather, Thomas Darling, uncovered a startling history of mysterious circumstances surrounding his death at a young age while serving in Malaysia. As Cumming investigated further, he uncovered indicators that suggested his grandfather may have been involved in hazardous activities.

4. Judi Dench

The iconic actress Judi Dench’s family history revealed a connection to 16th-century Denmark and a lineage tied to historical castles. Intriguingly, her ancestry also links her to the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, likely illuminating her strong affinity for the theatre.

3. Ainsley Harriott

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott journeyed to the Caribbean to explore his roots, only to discover startling contrasts with his prior beliefs. He learned that one of his ancestors was a prosperous free black woman, and that his great-great-grandfather, James Gordon Harriott, descended from a family of white slaveholders rather than slaves.

2. Matthew Pinsent

Former Olympic rower Matthew Pinsent’s family history took an extraordinary turn, revealing links to historical figures such as Edward I and William the Conqueror. His lineage traced back remarkably as far as biblical figures, suggesting a connection to Adam and Eve, an astounding genealogical revelation.

1. Danny Dyer

Actor Danny Dyer’s episode began with stories of hardship, but took an unexpected twist revealing his relationship to historical figures at the court of Henry VIII. His 15-times great-grandfather was Thomas Cromwell, leading to connections with Eleanor of Aquitaine, William the Conqueror, and King Louis IX, marking a high point of unexpected discoveries in this fascinating series.

For more great entertainment, check out the latest trending series on various platforms including the BBC, Netflix, and others, ensuring you don’t miss out on the must-watch shows of the moment.