Latest news with #WhoDoYouThinkYouAre?
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ashley Walters calls out Who Do You Think You Are for brutally rejecting him
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ashley Walters has called out BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? for not allowing him on the series. The British actor and rapper, 42, appeared on The One Show this evening alongside singer Will Young and Olympian Tom Daley, the former of which was sharing his experience on the BBC ancestry show. When asked by host Roman Kemp if he'd ever want to take part in Who Do You Think You Are?, Adolescence star Ashley let out a knowing chuckle and responded: 'I would love to, if they'd let me.' He continued: 'It's an interesting story. They approached me about doing the show, went and did like a year's worth of research and then said, 'No, we're not going to do it.'' Presenter Clara Amfo asked: 'Any further feedback?' Ashley responded: 'Nope. They did give me all the documents. But I haven't read them. I haven't gone into the box yet, so I don't know why. But I nearly got there, I was on the cusp.' Since its inception in 2004, hordes of celebrities have gone on emotional journeys into the family history, and viewers have seen everything from graveside sobs from Andrew Garfield to Danny Dyer famously finding out he's royalty. However, there are celebrity stories that don't make the cut, some of which were said to be too dull to make compelling TV. The late Michael Parkinson revealed in a 2009 Radio Times interview that his ancestors were too 'boring' for the show – something he warned producers ahead of their six weeks of research, in which the chat show host was proven correct. 'When Who Do You Think You Are? called and asked if I was interested, I said I would be delighted, but warned that my own research had unearthed nothing of note,' he recalled. ''Oh, they all say that. But we always find something,' they said. Six weeks later they phoned to apologise. My story was so boring they had to cancel the entire project. I was gutted,' he explained. Meanwhile Dermot O'Leary told podcast Sweat, Snot And Tears: 'They actually researched my family for about three months. They came back and said: 'There's just not enough interesting stuff about your family'.' While Sir Michael and Dermot got a polite phone call rejection, Steph's Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern said she never heard from producers again after an initial meeting with them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Elsewhere on tonight's The One Show, Ashley also opened up about how hit show Adolescence has changed his view of parenting. 'It held a mirror up to myself. I'm a father of eight. I have three grandkids. I've had up and down relationships with some of them,' he said. More Trending The Top Boy actor, who first shot to fame as a member of garage group So Solid Crew under the nickname Asher D, welcomed his first child at the age of 20. He is dad to sons Shayon, 22, and Panera, 19, and daughter China, 21, who he welcomed with ex-partner Natalie Williams. The Missing You star also has daughters Antonia and Ashleigh with another unnamed woman, as well as Amaiya-Love, nine, and River, five, with his wife and actress Danielle Isaie, who he married in 2013. View More » The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ashley Walters calls out BBC's Who Do You Think You Are for rejecting him after 'year of research' MORE: The Chase star points out major issue 'ruining' rival ITV gameshow MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ashley Walters calls out BBC's Who Do You Think You Are for rejecting him
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ashley Walters has called out BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? for not allowing him on the series. The British actor and rapper, 42, appeared on The One Show this evening alongside singer Will Young and Olympian Tom Daley, the former of which was sharing his experience on the BBC ancestry show. When asked by host Roman Kemp if he'd ever want to take part in Who Do You Think You Are?, Adolescence star Ashley let out a knowing chuckle and responded: 'I would love to, if they'd let me.' He continued: 'It's an interesting story. They approached me about doing the show, went and did like a year's worth of research and then said, 'No, we're not going to do it.'' Presenter Clara Amfo asked: 'Any further feedback?' Ashley responded: 'Nope. They did give me all the documents. But I haven't read them. I haven't gone into the box yet, so I don't know why. But I nearly got there, I was on the cusp.' Since its inception in 2004, hordes of celebrities have gone on emotional journeys into the family history, and viewers have seen everything from graveside sobs from Andrew Garfield to Danny Dyer famously finding out he's royalty. However, there are celebrity stories that don't make the cut, some of which were said to be too dull to make compelling TV. The late Michael Parkinson revealed in a 2009 Radio Times interview that his ancestors were too 'boring' for the show – something he warned producers ahead of their six weeks of research, in which the chat show host was proven correct. 'When Who Do You Think You Are? called and asked if I was interested, I said I would be delighted, but warned that my own research had unearthed nothing of note,' he recalled. ''Oh, they all say that. But we always find something,' they said. Six weeks later they phoned to apologise. My story was so boring they had to cancel the entire project. I was gutted,' he explained. Meanwhile Dermot O'Leary told podcast Sweat, Snot And Tears: 'They actually researched my family for about three months. They came back and said: 'There's just not enough interesting stuff about your family'.' While Sir Michael and Dermot got a polite phone call rejection, Steph's Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern said she never heard from producers again after an initial meeting with them. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Elsewhere on tonight's The One Show, Ashley also opened up about how hit show Adolescence has changed his view of parenting. 'It held a mirror up to myself. I'm a father of eight. I have three grandkids. I've had up and down relationships with some of them,' he said. The Top Boy actor, who first shot to fame as a member of garage group So Solid Crew under the nickname Asher D, welcomed his first child at the age of 20. He is dad to sons Shayon, 22, and Panera, 19, and daughter China, 21, who he welcomed with ex-partner Natalie Williams. The Missing You star also has daughters Antonia and Ashleigh with another unnamed woman, as well as Amaiya-Love, nine, and River, five, with his wife and actress Danielle Isaie, who he married in 2013. The One Show airs weekdays at 7pm on BBC One. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Chase star points out major issue 'ruining' rival ITV gameshow MORE: The Doctor Who finale will 'shock and terrify' — here's what parents need to know MORE: Wynne Evans devastated as he confirms BBC axe: 'It breaks my heart'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix star shares BBC dropped them from popular series
Ashley Walters, who is best known for roles in Adolescence and Top Boy, has revealed the BBC chose not to include him in a popular series Ashley Walters, Will Young and Tom Daley joined Clara Amfo and Roman Kemp on The One Show to discuss their upcoming projects. As talk turned to the shows they all appeared on, Ashley was quizzed over whether he would appear on BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? However, he shocked hosts Roman and Clara when he revealed he was approached before bosses changed their mind. Ashley revealed: "I would love to if they let me." Going on to explain his comment, he continued: "Interesting story, they approached me about doing the show and went and did about a year's worth of research and then said, 'no, we're not going to do it.'" Clara asked: "Any further feedback?" as Ashley replied: "No, they did give me the documents but I haven't read them, I haven't gone into the box yet so I don't know why. I nearly got there but I was on the cusp." "A new project for next year," Clara suggested. "Go through the archives." The revelation came as Will Young, who features of the next episode of Who Do You Think You Are? spoke about his experience. Appearing on The One Show, Will spoke about becoming emotional when he uncovered his family history. He explained: "I didn't know anything about my grandfather apart from that he died when my Dad was 15 and under questionable circumstances. "A lot of people had PTSD after the war, we didn't know, my Dad and my Aunt didn't know, that his plane went down at the beginning of the war and he was in a concentration camp for five years, that's all I knew. "But it was just wonderful - to not spoil it - go from having one grandfather who I knew growing up and now feeling like I have two. I still have this photo in my study and I just feel like I know him. "I have a tattoo of his plane and his squadron and you start finding similarities with your family - even people you didn't know. "That's what is real interesting. We had certain characteristics and it was very moving. It was terribly moving for my father and my Aunt because he was sort of portrayed as a bit of a loser and he was literally anything but a loser. My Dad rang me up in tears saying, 'You've given me a father.'"
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pop Idol star makes same British royal discovery as Danny Dyer after nine years
Another famous face delves into their family history on Who Do You Think You Are? and the results are shocking EastEnders icon Danny Dyer left viewers gobsmacked when he found out his bloodline had been linked to English Royalty, and now a Pop Idol celebrity has stumbled upon a similarly astonishing discovery. Will Young is set to appear on Who Do You Think You Are? where he's poised to uncover a bombshell that promises to shake his world to its core. The 46-year-old chart-topper delves into historical records to trace any hidden secrets within his family tree. In an episode that promises to drop jaws, the Pop Idol winner discovers a connection to Hugh Le Despenser, a one-time confidant of King Edward II. Hugh Le Despenser, a name etched in history, had amassed great wealth by acquiring lands in South Wales, becoming one of the wealthiest men of his era, reports Surrey Live. But the revelations didn't stop there, Will was astounded to learn that he is a direct descendant of King Edward I, not once but twenty times over. Known as the Hammer of the Scots, Edward I reigned as King of England from 1272 until 1307. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of his lineage, Will described the revelation as "soul nourishing" and expressed his astonishment: "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." The episode took a poignant turn as the artist learnt his late grandfather Digby Young had been a bomber pilot and prisoner of war during WWII, a fact previously unknown to him. Digby was detained in a German-occupied prison in Poland until he talked his way out and earned the role of Squadron Leader, piloting jets. Will shared poignantly: "It's completely not how I saw him at all. I didn't know he went on to do any of this. Now I feel like I've got another grandfather. I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him." To honour his grandfather's memory, the pop star had a tattoo done with Digby's squadron number. Will's revelation shares similarities with actor Danny Dyer's discovery that he descends from William the Conqueror and King Edward III, uncovered on the 2016 series of Who Do You Think You Are? Like Will, Danny also found out he was related to Thomas Cromwell, the counsellor to Henry VIII and protagonist of the English Reformation. Will Young's royal discovery will air on June 3, at 9pm on BBC One.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Fred Sirieix's Olympic star daughter, mystery wife and 'crying every day' on BBC show
Fred Sirieix's Olympic star daughter, mystery wife and 'crying every day' on BBC show The beloved TV personality is on BBC show Who Do You Think You Are? alongside his daughter Fred Sirieix and Fruitcake attend the Royal Albert Hall on March 07, 2025 (Image: Getty Images ) Fred Sirieix has built a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, becoming one of the UK's most recognisable television personalities. After training in a Michelin-starred restaurant in France, he moved to London, where he worked at esteemed establishments such as La Tante Claire and Galvin at Windows, the latter of which he managed for 14 years. Sirieix's transition to television began with Channel 4's "First Dates," where his charm and professionalism as the maître d'hôtel endeared him to audiences. His television repertoire expanded to include shows like "Million Pound Menu" on BBC Two and ITV's "Gordon, Gino and Fred's Road Trip," showcasing his versatility and charisma. In 2023, he was a contestant on "I'm a Me Out of Here!" further cementing his status as a beloved TV figure. Tonight, viewers can see a different side of Sirieix as he delves into his family history on BBC One's "Who Do You Think You Are?" In this episode, he travels to France with his daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, to explore their roots. Here, we take a look at parts of his life away from the TV screen. Olympic star daughter Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has established herself as one of Britain's most promising diving talents. Born in London in 2004, she made her international debut at just 13 and clinched her first solo international gold at the 2020 FINA Diving Grand Prix in Rostock. That same year, she was honoured as the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. Article continues below Her breakthrough came in 2022 when she secured gold in the women's 10m platform at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, becoming the first English woman to win the event since 1966. She followed this feat with European Championship gold in the same discipline and added further accolades in synchronised and mixed synchro events alongside partners Lois Toulson and Noah Williams. In 2024, Spendolini-Sirieix continued her impressive trajectory. At the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, she contributed to Great Britain's gold in the team event and earned bronze medals in both the individual 10m platform and the synchronised 10m platform with Toulson. Later that year, at the Paris Olympics, the duo clinched bronze in the women's 10m synchronised platform, marking a significant milestone in her career. Although she finished sixth in the individual event, her performance solidified her status as a leading figure in British diving. Her achievements were recognised with titles such as European Aquatics' Female Diver of the Year and The Sunday Times Young Sportswoman of the Year. "Amazing," Fred said of his daughter's Olympic achievement in an interview with OK! "Andrea has been training since she was eight. The Olympics was her dream. And to win a medal in Paris – it was incredible. "She's won medals for Britain and Italy, but never in France. She trained so hard she barely went to school, but she still got brilliant results. I've always said if you want something, you've got to work for it. No shortcuts. You're going to suffer. It's got to be painful." Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Spendolini-Sirieix's journey has been marked by resilience. She has openly discussed overcoming personal challenges, including mental health struggles, and credits her family, particularly her father, for their unwavering support. Their emotional embrace after her Olympic bronze win became a poignant moment of the Games. Spendolini-Sirieix (right) was in tears after winning bronze New wife and her nickname Sirieix recently married his long-term partner, affectionately nicknamed "Fruitcake," in a picturesque ceremony at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica. The couple, who have been together since 2018, exchanged vows on February 18, 2025, after postponing their original wedding plans due to Covid. The bride, however, has not publicly disclosed her real name, leading to an air of mystery around her. On the wedding day, she looked stunning in an elegant white gown, while Sirieix donned a classic white tuxedo jacket and black bow tie. The intimate celebration was attended by close friends and family, including Sirieix's children from a previous relationship, Andrea and Lucien. When asked in the same OK! interview why he nicknamed her Fruitcake, Sirieix replied: "That one's just between her and me. It works for us. She's Fruitcake. That's all you need to know. And that's all she wants you to know. We're happy that way." Despite the couple's public profiles, they have maintained a level of privacy regarding their personal lives. Fruitcake, a fashion enthusiast, has occasionally appeared alongside Sirieix at public events, but the pair have kept details about her personal background and profession private. Sirieix has spoken fondly of their bond, noting how their connection deepened during the pandemic lockdowns, strengthening their commitment to one another. Crying 'every day' on BBC show Sirieix will appear tonight on Who Do You Think You Are? and the journey is an emotional one for the TV star. Sirieix delves into his family history on the BBC One show, during which he travels to France with his daughter, Andrea, to explore their roots. The journey uncovers stories of wartime romance and resilience, including the tale of his grandfather René, a prisoner of war during World War II, and his great-grandfather Léonard Bordas, who fought in some of the most harrowing battles of the First World War . "Oh, I cried every day in fact, because it was very emotional," he said. "I went to Burgundy, where my grandfather was a prisoner of war. I went to the very place he was held during the Second World War. He escaped from there to go home, crossing the whole of France. "It was so dangerous. The penalty was being shot. What I didn't realise is that my grandfather was suffering from PTSD, and so was my great-grandfather, who, incredibly, took part in the First World War from the very first battle to the last. And he survived. Article continues below "I mean, it's just incredible."
