Latest news with #Digby
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Will Young gets emotional as he learns truth about family history on TV tonight
Will Young is tracing his family history on Who Do You Think You Are? tonight and gets a shock when he finds a connection to one of medieval history's biggest villains A new episode of Who Do You Think you Are? is airing tonight (Tuesday 3 June) on - BBC 1 with Pop Idol star Will Young delving back into his family history. So far this series, we've seen First Dates star Fred Sirieix, comedian Aisling Bea and Strictly's Layton Williams uncover lost connections and unfamiliar histories as they trace their family tree. Fans can expect to go on an emotional journey with the singer as he starts by researching his paternal granddad, who he never had the chance to meet. Elsewhere, fans can dig their teeth into a sweet treat as Bake Off: The Professionals continues, and The One Show host Matt Baker kicks off his new series... Pick of the Day Who Do You Think You Are?, BBC1, 9pm One day, Will Young 's descendants will boast that they are related to the first ever winner of Pop Idol. But Will has no idea what he's going to find on his own journey into his family's past, apart from his fanciful hope that he is secretly a Viking! Will starts by researching his paternal granddad, Digby, who he never had the chance to meet. He discovers a young man who studied medicine at Oxford University, but spent most of his time competing in swimming races at the pool. After enthusiastically signing up to the RAF Reserves, Digby fought in World War Two, before being captured as a POW after his plane was hit and suffered engine failure. It was an experience he rarely talked about later in life, and the more Will learns, the better he understands what a traumatic ordeal it must have been. There's one particularly incredible story of Digby's heroic efforts within the POW camp that takes Will's breath away... Later, Will picks himself up from Digby's emotional story to research another branch of his family tree. He's shocked to discover his 18x great grandfather Hugh Le Despenser was one of the most contentious figures in 14 th century politics, who owned Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire. It gives Will a spring in his step to visit a family castle, but he soon learns of his ancestor's malicious abuses of power, which made him a villain of the court. Luckily there's another twist to come, as Will discovers a link to Medieval royalty. Bake Off: The Professionals, C4, 8pm If you've not heard of a petit Antoine, you just need to know that it's a calorific French delicacy, involving layers of deliciousness such as praline and chocolate ganache. Tonight, exacting judge Benoit asks the teams to create a batch of these gorgeous treats, with 24 immaculate examples that look and taste identical. They must also serve up 24 uniform fruit tarts, but Cherish wants the pros to completely reinvent the classic dessert, so they won't look anything like the jam tarts you made at school. Just to crank up the pressure, this is a particular favourite for Cherish, so she'll be even more critical than usual (we didn't think it was possible). Tonight's showpiece has a Japanese zen garden theme, and the judges are looking for roll cakes that will feed 24 people. Standard Swiss rolls aren't welcome here, so expect complex creations with flavours that burst through the screen. Matt Baker's British Isles, More 4, 9pm The former One Show host is launching a new series, celebrating the best of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. But he's not looking at the scenery – this programme is all about the people who make Britain special. Starting in Kent, he discovers the local vineyard owner making fine sparkling wine, giving French champagne producers a run for their money. Then, it's off to the Highlands for something completely different, as Matt swaps anecdotes with two former farmers, who are at the heart of their community as a chaplain and a fiddler. The music theme continues in Northern Ireland, where Matt meets a man who makes stunning acoustic guitars for world-famous musicians. Then it's off to the Rhondda Valley in Wales to visit a buried Victorian railway tunnel. The dedicated locals have grand plans to turn this two-mile long passageway into a walking and cycling route that would be the envy of Europe. Diddy in Plain Sight: Untold, C4, 11.05pm In 2024, shocking CCTV footage was released, showing rapper Sean Combs (also known as both Diddy and Puff Daddy) appearing to assault his girlfriend, singer Cassie, in a hotel. It triggered a wave of new allegations including sex trafficking, which have left the hip hop world reeling. This documentary charts the performer's rise and fall, and talks to people who have spent time with him over the years, including his former bodyguard. They reflect on why it took so long for accusations to surface. EastEnders, BBC1, 7.30pm Peter and Lauren's relationship is hanging by a thread. Peter takes Jimmy to a hospital appointment on his own after Lauren stayed out all evening. Meanwhile, Lauren and Honey have a candid chat. Cindy worries the re-launch of The Albert is going to be a flop when she hears about disappointing ticket sales. Her attempts to build buzz for the event go wrong when she gets into a row with Elaine.
Leader Live
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Will Young becomes tearful after discovering grandfather was not a ‘loser'
The 46-year-old knew that Digby Young was a prisoner of war during the Second World War, after moving from Australia, but did not know many details of his life before taking part in BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? To trace his history, he first speaks to his Aunt Wiggy who says her father died as a teenager, and remembers him as a kind man who was looked down on by some. Later Young discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, Stalag Luft III, in German-occupied Poland. As the war ended, the British servicemen were marched in winter, and when a Nazi guard got frostbite, Digby used 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' for an amputation, according to a fellow PoW's account. Young said his grandfather saving the life of his captor, makes him a 'very remarkable man', adding: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' '(An) extraordinary, man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father,' he also said, breaking down. 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Young also said he feels 'like (family) history has been a bit unkind to him, so it's nice that history is being kind'. His grandfather escaped because the Russian head of a camp 'liked his liquor', and was bribed with a Rolex watch, and Digby was able to take off with a friend on a bike to where the American soldiers were. After the war, he was a Squadron Leader flying jets, which Young says 'makes me really happy, because I think he really did find his vocation'. 'It's completely not how I saw him at all,' he added. 'I didn't know he went on to do any of this.' A post shared by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) 'Now I feel like I've got another grandfather,' he added. 'I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him. 'All he was was a picture and an early death, of which it was potentially quite sad circumstances. And now the picture and the death is not even part of his story.' Later he shared that he got a tattoo of a plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. Young also learns from a historian that he is related to Colonel Sir Aretas William Young, who was named the protector of slaves in Guyana and was fired after a 'pretty damning' report on his prejudice, and later a governor of Prince Edward Island in Canada. He also discovers his relation to Hugh Despenser, an adviser to King Edward II, who was executed as a traitor after greedily seizing land in South Wales, and becoming one of the richest men at the time, and Edward I. The singer called it one of the most 'soul nourishing experiences I've ever had, I didn't expect it, my 20 times great-grandfather was Edward I, that's just bonkers, and then we move to the man, the myth, the legend, the horror that is Hugh Le Despenser, who's just an absolute monster of a man'. Young has scored four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums since winning Pop Idol during its inaugural series in 2002. He has authored two books about mental health and sexuality, appeared on The Masked Singer and Strictly Come Dancing and been nominated for an Olivier Award for the musical Cabaret. Young's episode airs on June 3 on BBC One at 9pm.
North Wales Chronicle
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Will Young becomes tearful after discovering grandfather was not a ‘loser'
The 46-year-old knew that Digby Young was a prisoner of war during the Second World War, after moving from Australia, but did not know many details of his life before taking part in BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? To trace his history, he first speaks to his Aunt Wiggy who says her father died as a teenager, and remembers him as a kind man who was looked down on by some. Later Young discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, Stalag Luft III, in German-occupied Poland. As the war ended, the British servicemen were marched in winter, and when a Nazi guard got frostbite, Digby used 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' for an amputation, according to a fellow PoW's account. Young said his grandfather saving the life of his captor, makes him a 'very remarkable man', adding: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' '(An) extraordinary, man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father,' he also said, breaking down. 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Young also said he feels 'like (family) history has been a bit unkind to him, so it's nice that history is being kind'. His grandfather escaped because the Russian head of a camp 'liked his liquor', and was bribed with a Rolex watch, and Digby was able to take off with a friend on a bike to where the American soldiers were. After the war, he was a Squadron Leader flying jets, which Young says 'makes me really happy, because I think he really did find his vocation'. 'It's completely not how I saw him at all,' he added. 'I didn't know he went on to do any of this.' A post shared by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) 'Now I feel like I've got another grandfather,' he added. 'I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him. 'All he was was a picture and an early death, of which it was potentially quite sad circumstances. And now the picture and the death is not even part of his story.' Later he shared that he got a tattoo of a plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. Young also learns from a historian that he is related to Colonel Sir Aretas William Young, who was named the protector of slaves in Guyana and was fired after a 'pretty damning' report on his prejudice, and later a governor of Prince Edward Island in Canada. He also discovers his relation to Hugh Despenser, an adviser to King Edward II, who was executed as a traitor after greedily seizing land in South Wales, and becoming one of the richest men at the time, and Edward I. The singer called it one of the most 'soul nourishing experiences I've ever had, I didn't expect it, my 20 times great-grandfather was Edward I, that's just bonkers, and then we move to the man, the myth, the legend, the horror that is Hugh Le Despenser, who's just an absolute monster of a man'. Young has scored four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums since winning Pop Idol during its inaugural series in 2002. He has authored two books about mental health and sexuality, appeared on The Masked Singer and Strictly Come Dancing and been nominated for an Olivier Award for the musical Cabaret. Young's episode airs on June 3 on BBC One at 9pm.
Rhyl Journal
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Will Young becomes tearful after discovering grandfather was not a ‘loser'
The 46-year-old knew that Digby Young was a prisoner of war during the Second World War, after moving from Australia, but did not know many details of his life before taking part in BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? To trace his history, he first speaks to his Aunt Wiggy who says her father died as a teenager, and remembers him as a kind man who was looked down on by some. Later Young discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, Stalag Luft III, in German-occupied Poland. As the war ended, the British servicemen were marched in winter, and when a Nazi guard got frostbite, Digby used 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' for an amputation, according to a fellow PoW's account. Young said his grandfather saving the life of his captor, makes him a 'very remarkable man', adding: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' '(An) extraordinary, man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father,' he also said, breaking down. 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Young also said he feels 'like (family) history has been a bit unkind to him, so it's nice that history is being kind'. His grandfather escaped because the Russian head of a camp 'liked his liquor', and was bribed with a Rolex watch, and Digby was able to take off with a friend on a bike to where the American soldiers were. After the war, he was a Squadron Leader flying jets, which Young says 'makes me really happy, because I think he really did find his vocation'. 'It's completely not how I saw him at all,' he added. 'I didn't know he went on to do any of this.' A post shared by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) 'Now I feel like I've got another grandfather,' he added. 'I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him. 'All he was was a picture and an early death, of which it was potentially quite sad circumstances. And now the picture and the death is not even part of his story.' Later he shared that he got a tattoo of a plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. Young also learns from a historian that he is related to Colonel Sir Aretas William Young, who was named the protector of slaves in Guyana and was fired after a 'pretty damning' report on his prejudice, and later a governor of Prince Edward Island in Canada. He also discovers his relation to Hugh Despenser, an adviser to King Edward II, who was executed as a traitor after greedily seizing land in South Wales, and becoming one of the richest men at the time, and Edward I. The singer called it one of the most 'soul nourishing experiences I've ever had, I didn't expect it, my 20 times great-grandfather was Edward I, that's just bonkers, and then we move to the man, the myth, the legend, the horror that is Hugh Le Despenser, who's just an absolute monster of a man'. Young has scored four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums since winning Pop Idol during its inaugural series in 2002. He has authored two books about mental health and sexuality, appeared on The Masked Singer and Strictly Come Dancing and been nominated for an Olivier Award for the musical Cabaret. Young's episode airs on June 3 on BBC One at 9pm.
Powys County Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Will Young becomes tearful after discovering grandfather was not a ‘loser'
Singer and actor Will Young became tearful when he found out that his grandfather was not a 'loser', as had been the belief by some in his family. The 46-year-old knew that Digby Young was a prisoner of war during the Second World War, after moving from Australia, but did not know many details of his life before taking part in BBC genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? To trace his history, he first speaks to his Aunt Wiggy who says her father died as a teenager, and remembers him as a kind man who was looked down on by some. Later Young discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, Stalag Luft III, in German-occupied Poland. As the war ended, the British servicemen were marched in winter, and when a Nazi guard got frostbite, Digby used 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' for an amputation, according to a fellow PoW's account. Young said his grandfather saving the life of his captor, makes him a 'very remarkable man', adding: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' '(An) extraordinary, man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father,' he also said, breaking down. 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Young also said he feels 'like (family) history has been a bit unkind to him, so it's nice that history is being kind'. His grandfather escaped because the Russian head of a camp 'liked his liquor', and was bribed with a Rolex watch, and Digby was able to take off with a friend on a bike to where the American soldiers were. After the war, he was a Squadron Leader flying jets, which Young says 'makes me really happy, because I think he really did find his vocation'. 'It's completely not how I saw him at all,' he added. 'I didn't know he went on to do any of this.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Will Young (@willyoungofficial) 'Now I feel like I've got another grandfather,' he added. 'I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him. 'All he was was a picture and an early death, of which it was potentially quite sad circumstances. And now the picture and the death is not even part of his story.' Later he shared that he got a tattoo of a plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. Young also learns from a historian that he is related to Colonel Sir Aretas William Young, who was named the protector of slaves in Guyana and was fired after a 'pretty damning' report on his prejudice, and later a governor of Prince Edward Island in Canada. He also discovers his relation to Hugh Despenser, an adviser to King Edward II, who was executed as a traitor after greedily seizing land in South Wales, and becoming one of the richest men at the time, and Edward I. The singer called it one of the most 'soul nourishing experiences I've ever had, I didn't expect it, my 20 times great-grandfather was Edward I, that's just bonkers, and then we move to the man, the myth, the legend, the horror that is Hugh Le Despenser, who's just an absolute monster of a man'. Young has scored four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums since winning Pop Idol during its inaugural series in 2002. He has authored two books about mental health and sexuality, appeared on The Masked Singer and Strictly Come Dancing and been nominated for an Olivier Award for the musical Cabaret.
