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Who Do You Think You Are?: Claire Foy, Bear Grylls, Emily Atack to take part in new season

Claire Foy has filmed an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? (FilmMagic)
Claire Foy has filmed an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? (FilmMagic)

The BBC has announced the return of Who Do You Think You Are? for its 20th season, with a new cast of celebrities and release date confirmed.

Viewers will once again be able to dive into the family history of an array of famous stars, whose discoveries about their genealogy will range from murder trials to royal connections.

Read more: Matt Lucas uncovers surprising Anne Frank connection in Who Do You Think You Are?

The show will return for a 9-part series, and the BBC has shared some details about the new edition of the programme and what viewers can expect.

When will Who Do You Think You Are? be released?

Who Do You Think You Are? logo (BBC)
Who Do You Think You Are? logo (BBC)

The BBC has confirmed that Season 20 of Who Do You Think You Are? will return to BBC One in early June, though an official release date has not yet been revealed.

Each episode will see its celebrity guest be taken back through generations of their family history to learn things about their ancestry that they might not have known before.

According to a teaser from the BBC, this will include discoveries like ties to clog-wearing rope dancers, Scottish royalty, to murder trials and tragic accidents involving the respective star’s family members.

In a statement, Simon Young, BBC Head of History, said: “As one of Britain’s most beloved documentary series approaches 20 years on our screens, the line-up of household names, and the array of astonishing family histories, grow from strength to strength. This series is often imitated but never bettered, and this latest edition demonstrates why.”

Who will appear on Who Do You Think You Are? Season 20?

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Bear Grylls attends the World Premiere of
Bear Grylls attends the World Premiere of "Explorer" in London in July 2022. (WireImage)

The celebrities who will be appearing on Season 20 of Who Do You Think You Are? include award-winning composer Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Crown star Claire Foy, actor and comedian Emily Atack, and survivalist Bear Grylls.

Comedian Chris Ramsey, actor Lesley Manville, former Strictly Come Dancing champion Kevin Clifton, broadcaster and DJ Dev Griffin, and twin doctors Chris and Xand van Tulleken complete the show’s star-studded line-up.

Read more: Richard Osman's 'Who Do You Think You Are?' moves viewers with tale of poverty

The BBC has teased how Atack will discover an unlikely link to Ryan Reynolds, while Clifton will travel overseas to Canada to trace his ancestry, and Foy will learn the dramatic truth about how her ancestors became embroiled in a murder trial.

Viewers said Emily Atack's documentary should be shown in schools. (BBC)
Emily Atack has filmed an episode of Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC)

In a statement, Colette Flight, Executive Producer for Wall to Wall, said of the line-up: “Who Do You Think You Are? is back with nine much-loved celebrities investigating their ancestry.

“The series will see them uncover incredible, moving and dramatic stories as their individual family trees reflect and shine a light on all of our shared history.”

Who Do You Think You Are? season 20 will air on BBC One in early June.

Watch: Zachary Quinto takes part in the US equivalent of Who Do You Think You Are?