Singer Will Young takes center stage on this week’s Who Do You Think You Are?, tracing a family tree that branches out to both wartime heroism and medieval villainy. The episode airs Tuesday at 9 PM GMT on BBC One.
Young’s genealogical journey focuses on his paternal line, starting with his grandfather, Digby Young, a WWII prisoner of war. Young’s investigation takes him to Stalag Luft III, the infamous POW camp, where he uncovers stories of his grandfather’s bravery, including a surprising act of compassion toward a German guard.
But the family saga doesn’t end there. Young also learns about a more distant ancestor, Hugh Le Despenser, his 18-times great-grandfather and a notorious favorite of King Edward II. Despenser’s reputation for ruthlessness adds a stark contrast to Digby’s wartime courage.
The long-running BBC series continues to deliver its compelling blend of celebrity and historical investigation. For Young, the experience appears transformative, deepening his understanding of his own family history.
Who Do You Think You Are? airs Tuesday at 9:00 PM GMT on BBC One.
