Aisling Bea and Diane Morgan in Who Do You Think You Are?

Ancestors fought for Irish independence and the rights of their illegitimate children

Comedians Aisling Bea and Diane Morgan are taking part in the next series of the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?

Genealogy researchers helped Philomena Cunk star Morgan discover a family history that included ‘a poignant love story and her ancestor’s brave fight for the rights of her illegitimate children’, the broadcaster says.

While Bea ‘discovers how her family’s been shaped by some of the most dramatic moments in Irish history, telling a tale of violent tragedy, female resilience and a passion for Irish independence’.

The line-up for the 22nd series also includes Andrew Garfield, Mishal Husain, Ross Kemp, Will Young, Fred Sirieix and Layton Williams.

Some of the show’s findings stretched back 800 years, with stories that take in Jamaica, Morocco, India, Poland, Germany, Ireland, the USA and France.

Colette Flight, executive producer for Wall to Wall Media, said: ‘Spanning centuries and travelling the globe, Who Do You Think You Are? is back, with eight much-loved celebrities to entertain and captivate us as they delve into their family histories.

‘As they discover their ancestors’ adventures, triumphs, trials and tribulations, their rich family stories reveal incredible snapshots of history, including one of the greatest villains of medieval England, the evacuation at Dunkirk, rescuing art looted by the Nazis, and the birth of American independence.’

Earlier in her career, Bea starred in a Who Do You Think You Are? spoof with Yasmine Akram.