A brand new group of celebrities are preparing to uncover long-buried family secrets in the latest season of Who Do You Think You Are?. Returning for its 23rd season on BBC One, the much-loved genealogy programme continues to dig into the hidden histories of some of Britain's largest names, following stars as they trace their roots across the UK and beyond in search of answers about the people that came before them.
Over the years, the double BAFTA-winning series has become one of the BBC's most reliable hits thanks to its emotional storytelling and surprising revelations. The show regularly offers viewers a completely different side to familiar faces through stories of resilience, tragedy and survival.
Last year's season featured a particularly memorable line-up, with stars including Andrew Garfield, Diane Morgan, Ross Kemp, Aisling Bea, Mishal Husain, Will Young, Layton Williams and Fred Sirieix all delving into their ancestry. Now, season 23 is preparing to do the same with another impressive cast.
Related: Best streaming services
What can we expect from the new season of Who Do You Think You Are?
Kicking off the series, Zoe Ball embarks on an investigation into both sides of her family with help from her father, TV presenter Johnny Ball. Her journey takes her from Scotland to Cornwall as she uncovers painful truths about her mother Julia's upbringing.
Throughout the episode, Zoe explores locations including Glasgow, Bolton, Cornwall and Guernsey as she attempts to piece together generations of hidden family history. One of the biggest revelations comes when Zoe learns more about her grandmother Peggy's mental health struggles. Records reveal Peggy was sent to a psychiatric facility while Zoe's mother Julia was still a child.
What to Read Next
Elsewhere in the episode, Zoe uncovers the story of her great-great-great-grandfather James Temby, a Cornish miner who relocated his family to Guernsey after being promised work in the granite quarries, only to later be deported.
The following week (2 June) will see Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden take centre stage as she investigates rumours of murder within her ancestry. However, Amy's episode becomes especially emotional when she discovers her great-grandmother Louisa died from breast cancer at the young age of 39 – a revelation that resonates deeply due to Amy's own history with the disease.
More fascinating stories will be hitting the screens. Actor Adeel Akhtar discovers surprising information about his own ancestors' involvement in the founding of Nairobi, while Dame Harriet Walter investigates a family connection to secret intelligence operations during the Second World War.
Meanwhile, former EastEnders star Joe Swash's episode explores a dramatic family history involving criminal activity. As always, each instalment will focus on one celebrity's journey.
Who Do You Think You Are season 23 cast: who’s in it this year?
- Zoe Ball
- Amy Dowden
- Adeel Akhtar
- Dame Harriet Walter
- Joe Swash
- Katarina Johnson-Thompson
- Ruth Madeley
- Toby Jones
Related: Best LEGO sets
When can I watch Who Do You Think You Are season 23?
The new season begins this Tuesday (26 May) at 9pm on BBC One. Episodes will then continue airing weekly in the same slot, with Amy Dowden and Joe Swash among the first celebrities scheduled to appear after Zoe Ball's opener. However, viewers should expect a scheduling disruption midway through the series because of the FIFA World Cup.
With the BBC dedicating much of its schedule to tournament coverage after the competition begins on 11 June, Who Do You Think You Are? will temporarily pause before returning later in the summer, resuming with Ruth Madeley's episode on 9 July.
Who Do You Think You Are? airs this Tuesday, 26 May at 9pm on BBC One.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Living Legends, a collector's edition exploring the royal family, is here! Buy The Royals in newsagents or online.
