Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

As I delve into the lives of these remarkable individuals, I am struck by the rich tapestry of experiences that each one has woven for themselves. Olly Murs, with his meteoric rise to fame on The X Factor and successful solo career, is a testament to the power of resilience and talent. His journey to discovering his circus-performing ancestors only serves to solidify the notion that entertainment truly runs in the blood.


2021 marks the 20th anniversary of Who Do You Think You Are?, a captivating show that continues to astound audiences across the UK by delving into the family histories of beloved celebrities.

Once again, we follow the path of seven famous individuals as they embark on an enlightening adventure to uncover the mysteries of their heritage and long-hidden family tales, stretching back through centuries of historical events.

For the past twenty years, the show “Who Do You Think You Are?” has showcased notable personalities such as Danny Dyer, Dame Judi Dench, and Olivia Colman, among others, delving into their ancestral backgrounds. Now, seven additional celebrities are eager to uncover more about their roots.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to embark on this global journey with you this season, traversing countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, Taiwan, Jamaica, and Latvia, among others. However, it’s not just about the beautiful landscapes we’ll see; it’s about uncovering the identities of the renowned figures seeking enlightenment. Who are these celebrities on a quest for answers? Let’s find out together!

Read on to find out more about this year’s Who Do You Think You Are? line-up.

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up

  • Vicky McClure
  • Paddy McGuinness
  • Melanie Chisholm (Mel C)
  • Olly Murs
  • Rose Ayling-Ellis
  • Gemma Collins
  • Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

Read on to find out more about the cast.

Vicky McClure

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 41

Job: Actor

Instagram: @vicky.mcclure

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but admire the versatile talent of Vicky McClure. She has made quite an impression with her captivating performances, particularly in shows like Line of Duty, This Is England, and most recently, Trigger Point.

Initially this season, McClure is eager to unravel some family secrets, starting with her deceased paternal grandmother. According to the episode’s summary, the character embarks on this journey by discovering that Jean was abandoned by her relatives as a child, and aims to learn the reasons behind this.

Viewers will discover that McClure uncovers the heart-wrenching account of her great-grandfather’s time as a Japanese captive during wartime.

Paddy McGuinness

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 51

Job: TV presenter

Instagram: @mcguinness.paddy

Paddy McGuinness is a TV presenter and comedian that many will recognise from hosting Take Me Out, Top Gear and A Question of Sport.

In the second episode, McGuinness takes center stage as he delves into the significant contributions of his grandfathers during World War Two and the Boer War. Additionally, he traces the family’s fascinating migration story from Ireland to Bolton.

The television host plans to explore his last name’s origins in Ireland, uncovering that he could have been almost anyone other than a McGuinness!

Melanie Chisholm (Mel C)

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 50

Job: Singer

Instagram: @melaniecmusic

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but recognize the unparalleled fame that Melanie Chisholm, affectionately known as Mel C, has earned. She’s most renowned for her role as a dynamic member of the legendary pop sensation, the Spice Girls. In this extraordinary ensemble, she embodied the nickname Sporty Spice, a testament to her energetic spirit and athletic prowess.

Back in the ’90s, when the Spice Girls ruled the charts, I, a devoted cinema-goer (or music-lover if you prefer), found myself captivated by the solo journey of Sporty Spice, Mel C. Fast forward to 2020, she graced us with her latest studio album, Melanie C.

In the third episode of “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Melanie learns with great interest that some of her forebears were a lender handling finances, an advocate pushing for societal improvements, and a family forced to migrate due to the Irish famine.

Olly Murs

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 40

Job: Singer

Instagram: @ollymurs

Olly Murs, known for his singing skills, gained popularity when he finished as the runner-up on The X Factor back in 2009. Since then, he’s enjoyed a thriving solo career with popular tunes like Heart Skips a Beat, Troublemaker, and Please Don’t Let Me Go to his credit.

While he was on his journey, Murs travels to Riga, Latvia, where he uncovers his forebears who were circus performers. This finding confirms that the performing arts have always been a part of his family lineage, suggesting an enduring love for entertainment in his bloodstream.

Rose Ayling-Ellis

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 29

Job: Actor

Instagram: @rose.a.e

Rose Ayling-Ellis, an actor, gained recognition for portraying Frankie Lewis in the soap opera EastEnders and went on to triumph in the Strictly Come Dancing competition of 2021.

In the show, Ayling-Ellis reveals an event that strangely resembles a scene from “EastEnders”, as it happened in a pub located in Birmingham.

Gemma Collins

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 43

Job: TV personality

Instagram: @gemmacollins

Gemma Collins, affectionately referred to as The GC by her fans, gained widespread recognition for her appearances on The Only Way Is Essex between 2011 and 2019.

Ever since that point, I’ve been a regular face on television, gracing shows such as Dancing on Ice, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and Celebrity Big Brother.

As a passionate movie-goer putting this into my own words, I’d say: In “Who Do You Think You Are?”, I found myself deeply moved when I met an enigmatic relative I never knew existed, unearthing the heartfelt story of our shared Essex heritage.

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

Who Do You Think You Are? 2024 line-up: Meet the celebrities taking part

Age: 38

Job: Athlete

Instagram: @jessicaennishill

Jessica Ennis-Hill, a former athlete, has earned the titles of three-time world champion, 2010 World Indoor pentathlon champion, and 2012 Olympic champion.

Since her retirement, Ennis-Hill works as an commentator for the BBC and is an entrepreneur.

In the show, she visits Jamaica to explore the story of how her family member transitioned from being a slave to becoming a landowner.

Who Do You Think You Are? begins on Thursday 15th August at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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2024-08-15 13:04