Barry Humphries to explore his family history in posthumous episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

Royal love scandals, criminals and ‘devastating’ secret: Barry Humphries to explore his family history in posthumous episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

The late Barry Humphries is set to star in a posthumous episode of SBS’s popular genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? this week.

The episode, which was filmed months before he died on Saturday aged 89, will follow Humphries as he unravels his family history to discover shocking generational secrets.

A promo for the episode teases how Humphries will investigate a ‘royal scandal’ in his father’s ancestry before discovering a legacy of criminality on his mother’s side.

Confident he’s the most interesting person in his family tree, Barry is on a quest to be proven wrong.

‘My mother used to say, in mixed company, “We don’t know where Barry came from.” Well, I began to think, “Where did I come from?”‘ the iconic performer said.

The late Barry Humphries is set to star in a posthumous episode of SBS’s popular genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? this week 

According to TV Week, Humphries will trace his ancestry back to 18th century England, where he learns his distant paternal relative was cheated on by his wife.   

The woman was having an affair with a senior member of the British Royal Family. 

He then learns of how his three-times great-grandfather worked as a ‘bootlegger’ who bought and sold illegal liquor in 19th century England.

A promo for the episode teases how Humphries will investigate a 'royal scandal' in his father's ancestry before discovering a legacy of criminality on his mother's side

A promo for the episode teases how Humphries will investigate a ‘royal scandal’ in his father’s ancestry before discovering a legacy of criminality on his mother’s side 

The episode climaxes as Humpheries stumbles upon a ‘devastating’ family secret.

Humphries’ appearance on the program was confirmed earlier this month, just weeks before he passed away from complications following a hip surgery.

The comedian died at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender.

The episode climaxes as Humpheries stumbles upon a 'devastating' family secret

The episode climaxes as Humpheries stumbles upon a ‘devastating’ family secret

For weeks the comic had brushed aside concerns about the seriousness of his condition, but on Saturday before midday a spokesperson confirmed he had died.

Humphries tripped on a rug while reaching for a book in February and underwent surgery at St Vincent’s where he was readmitted this week.

​’​He was completely himself until the very end, never losing his brilliant mind, his unique wit and generosity of spirit,’ his family said in a statement.​

The comedian died at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender. (Pictured as his character Dame Edna Everage)

The comedian died at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital surrounded by his immediate family, including his wife of 30 years Lizzie Spender. (Pictured as his character Dame Edna Everage)

Dame Edna Everage remains Humphries’ most identifiable invention, who became internationally recognisable over the decades.

The beloved character began life as a Melbourne housewife in the 1950s and was known for lilac permed hair, outlandish cat-eye glasses and garish gowns.

Humphries’ episode of Who Do You Think You Are? airs Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30pm on SBS

Humphries' episode of Who Do You Think You Are? airs Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30pm on SBS

Humphries’ episode of Who Do You Think You Are? airs Tuesday, May 2, at 7:30pm on SBS 

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