The actor wants to know more about his tough, working-class family in the East End of London, but gets more than he expected when he unearths an extraordinary lineage stretching back to the 11th century.

The actress looks into rumoured French ancestry on her mother's side of the family, uncovering a Napoleonic-era cross-Channel romance. Amanda also seeks answers to the tragic death of her paternal grandfather.

The TV presenter traces the first of her maternal ancestors to move from India to Trinidad. Liz then heads to Martinique where her paternal ancestors are said to have been slave-owning, plantation owners.

Singer Cheryl traces her roots and discovers a sea-faring ancestor and a family tragedy. She also learns the story of her great-grandfather, who fought in WWI.

Comedian Ricky Tomlinson discovers a series of family tragedies caused by poverty, harsh working conditions and social injustice in 19th century Liverpool, which only reaffirms his (head)strong leftist beliefs.

The actor and civil-rights activist delves into his family history and discovers one of his ancestors was a Victorian political activist, another was linked to the theatre. He learns his family have a link to an ancient landmark.

The comedian investigates his Welsh roots and gets more than he bargained for when he identifies a wayward great-grandfather. His journey uncovers everything from illegitimate children to royal connections.

The actress sets out to explore her Bengali heritage. Starting in Kolkata she learns of her great-grandfather's activism in colonial Bengal. She also learns of her family's involvement in Bangladesh's war of independence.

The BBC Newsreader discovers her ancestors risked everything to move to America in search of religious freedom. She examines a family rumour that her great-grandfather worked at Kew Gardens.