Actress Olivia Colman, barrister Robert “Judge” Rinder and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas are among the stars delving into their family histories for the new series of Who Do You Think You Are?
The 15th series of the BBC One genealogy show will air this summer, and will launch with an episode starring former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan.
Keegan discovers a personal connection to suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, and the episode will form part of the BBC’s Hear Her season to mark 100 years since suffrage and the centenary anniversary of women being able to vote in the UK.
#WhoDoYouThinkYouAre returns to @BBCOne for a 15th series, featuring Olivia Colman, @BoyGeorge; @ShirleyBallas; @LeeMack; @MarvinHumes; Robert ‘Judge’ Rinder; @MichKeegan; @JonniePeacock: https://t.co/315IseBngY pic.twitter.com/zfjGauZYEH
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) May 11, 2018
Broadchurch star Colman will have a journey of contrasts as she voyages from her family home in Norfolk to India, learning that her ancestry is more diverse than she had thought.
Singer Boy George, Paralympian Jonnie Peacock, comedian Lee Mack and TV presenter and former JLS star Marvin Humes are also featured in the series.
BBC commissioning editor Fatima Salaria said: “The enduring appeal of Who Do You Think You Are? is set to continue as BBC One broadcasts a huge host of names in series 15 including Olivia Colman, Boy George, Marvin Humes and Judge Rinder, which are guaranteed to move and entertain audiences.
“We’re particularly honoured to launch the series with Michelle Keegan’s episode which uncovers her special connection to Emmeline Pankhurst, as part of the BBC’s Hear Her season. This is must-see TV at its best.”
Colette Flight, executive producer for production company Wall to Wall, said: “Britain’s best loved stars are once again delving into their family trees, uncovering hidden secrets and solving mysteries.
“The stories they unearth are revelatory, often unexpectedly humorous but always affecting.”