BBC confirm the return of popular primetime series after a year off screens

The BBC have confirmed the return of a popular primetime series after a year off screens. 

Genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are is set to make a comeback within weeks, with a brand new episode airing on June 1.

Who Do You Think You Are sees celebrities trace their family tree and uncover secrets from the past. 

The BBC press office’s official Twitter page shared the exciting news earlier this month, revealing that series 20 will be a nine-part affair.

It said: ‘Who Do You Think You Are? returns to @BBCOne this June with a nine-part star-studded line-up!’

It’s back! Genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are is set to make a comeback within weeks, with a brand new episode airing on June 1

It also revealed some of the stars taking part in the series, including Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claire Foy, Emily Atack and Bear Grylls.

MailOnline have contacted the BBC for comment.  

Sir Andrew kicks off the latest run, with the famous composer being the first of the line-up to delve into his family’s history.

The synopsis for his upcoming episode reads: ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber is astonished to uncover stories from his family’s history that uncannily parallel his own life, including an ancestor with a famous cello-playing brother!’

Series 19 saw the likes of Ralph Little, Anna Maxwell Marin, Richard Osman, Sue Perkins and Matt Lucas take part. 

The last episode aired on June 30 and saw Death In Paradise star Ralph head to Orkney Scotland  when he investigated his grandfather Arthur’s role in one of the most important battles of the Second World War.

It comes as Emily Atack was shocked to discover her link to actor turned football club owner Ryan Reynolds. 

During an upcoming appearance on BBC ancestry show Who Do You Think You Are? the comedian, 33, finds out that her great-grandfather was the first to put Wrexham on the map. 

Exciting times: The BBC press office’s official Twitter page shared the exciting news earlier this month, revealing that series 20 will be a nine-part affair

First up: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber kicks off the latest run, with the famous composer being the first of the line-up to delve into his family’s history

Ryan, 46, and fellow Hollywood star Rob McElhenney purchased the then non-league Welsh football team Wrexham back in 2020 – gaining a promotion into League Two this week.  

According to The Sun, Emily finds out how her ancestor Edward Robbins became famed for his involvement in Welsh football. 

Edward, known as Ted, was the longest serving secretary of the Football Association of Wales, he clashed with the English Football League over their reluctance to free up their players for international duty. 

Through his campaigning, the rule was eventually scraped, meaning Welsh-born players, who were playing for English clubs, could still represent their country. 

Link: It comes as Emily Atack, 33, was shocked to discover her link to actor turned football club owner Ryan Reynolds

Football: During an upcoming appearance on BBC ancestry show Who Do You Think You Are? the comedian finds out that her great-grandfather was the first to put Wrexham on the map

A source told the publication: ‘Emily could not believe the link to Wrexham, particularly as the name is now so associated with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who co-own the club.

‘She is in no way sporty either, so to hear her family had this pedigree came as a big surprise.’

Who Do You Think You Are returns Thursday June 1 at 9pm on BBC One.