General Chat

I posted my letter today.

Julian Clary's (prob spelt wrong) wasn't that exciting but its stilll interesting to know what back grounds people come from and more importantly its still part of their history.

My family are not that exciting but its still an amazing feeling to find out about them.

Nicci

I've got miners in my tree and agricultural labourers! Perhaps I am related to Michael? Does he have any fisherfolk too?

Seriously, it looks as though at least Michael has some interest in his roots, he watches the programme and seems to know some of the background of his family. It's a shame that he didn't get the opportunity to take part in the programme. If we have to watch a celebrity researching their family tree, at least show someone with some genuine interest.

I'm proud of all my ancestors, no matter how boring they may appear to some people. Believe it or not, I'm fascinated on how the miners, sailors, agricultural labourers must have lived through various times. The BBC lost the opportunity to give me and others that insight. They could have done an interesting piece on the conditions down the mines and the hardships of the various occupations like the agricultural labourers. I don't know about anyone else but I didn't start researching my family tree to find celebrities. I wanted to know a little more about my ancestors.

Also, why can't they alternate shows with celebs and normal people researching their family trees? Do we have to watch celebrities every minute of the day on television? Well I suppose that's another gripe, left for another time.

In Michael Parkinson's column in next weeks Radio Times, he says that he was delighted to have been asked to do the show as he is "addicted to WDYTYA"
He was then "gutted" to be informed six weeks later that the entire project had been cancelled because his ancestry was considered too boring.
His ancestors were apparently, ag labs, miners, railwaymen and domestics (as were most peoples)

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Another method of protest?

I agree with all that has been said, and I will also write to the BBC.

What about ITV, do they not own this site? If so, why could they not have their own show - 'Where do you hail From' or some such title.

My own tree, with ag labs, soldiers, sailors plus a whole cupboard of family 'Skeletons'. I am sure I am not alone - five years of research and still excavating.

I would love to watch someone 'Ordinary'

I would have loved to see Michael Parkinsons, my OH family is ag labs, miners and woollen weavers etc from Yorkshire....would have been interesting to see how his family compared. I saw Kate Humble interveiwed this weekend, she said they did the research, then decided which people to "use".....

I was disappointed lst week - each series seems to have focussed less on the genealogy....Davina said "my (however many great) grandad is believed to be descended from royalty"...look this is him, (no confirmation that he was connected to her).... there was no trawling through the generations to get to him, just a leap to him.

As others have said, the program has nothing to do with genealogy, and is an opportunity for some celebs to be on tv....and plug what else they are doing.

Thanks for the address Tecwyn......will also be writing....

Good idea to send to BBC, I agree with everything that has been said on this thread.

I am from just an ordinary family, but on going back my family tree was most interesting, my great grandad's cousin a Captain on the Olympic. sister ship to Titanic., he also served his time on the Cutty Sark.

My 3 x great grandad a Captain in the Royal Navy at the time of Trafalgar.

We all have interesting ancestors, if we can trace them back.

Mo

I have written to complain and also sent a copy to Sir Michael together with a few pages from this link.

Please all write to the BBC, they may relent and show Parky's story in the next series. (If there is one).

I will write as well.

what a nice idea to send Michael Parkinson copy of this thread and then at least he can see that people are interested in his ordinary past

Yes it does seem this program has become more about exotic far away places, rather than the normal majority. Lets get back to reality and the truth, most people lived in poverty , like most of my ancesters.

That is a good idea ,I will be writing too

Hear hear.

K

I am also sending a copy of these pages to Sir Michael Parkinson c/o BBC.

Thanks for the address Tecwyn, I will be writing today. Everyone else do the same!!!!!!!

I am also going to print these pages and send them. I suggest you all do this if possible.

I agree with everything said in above posts.

Write to.......

BBC Complaints,
PO Box 1922,
Glasgow,
G2 3WT.

Series Producer of WDYTYA is ......Colette Flight

Bernie, no need to apologise, you were a good hour and a half ahead of me.

That's what I suggested Karen. Seems the most sensible thing to do.

If enough people write, then perhaps they will take notice.

Genealogy is not about linking celebs to dead celebs...

I find it quite insulting that the title, Who Do You Think You Are?, is telling Michael Parkinson he is a nobody, because he doesn't have rich or famous ancestors. Therefore the same insult is conveyed to those of us who also don't have rich or famous ancestors.

So, it seems there is a need to write to the BBC and express these views, and maybe send them a copy of this thread to show how we feel.

What do you think?

K

I agree with everyones postings about this program.

The 1st series or two of WDYTYA. Originally was about tracing the families of ordinary folks. I found this fascinating, even though at some point in the program it would reveal that he or she is some distant cousin of a celeb.........Which was fair enough, as you never know what you might find when tracing your family tree.

Then the program started tracing family trees of celebs. Bar one or two, I found the program a complete turn off. As it increasingly focused on the celeb themselves.

Because of this, I don't watch it anymore. Its a shame. If it was done in th original format, then for me it would be a really good program to watch.

Steve