Judi Dench and more join new season of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

The next line-up of famous faces joining Who Do You Think You Are? has been announced.

BBC One’s hit genealogy series returns soon with seven brand new episodes.

Exploring their family history in the eighteenth season are actress Dame Judi Dench, politician Ed Balls, singer Pixie Lott, comedian Joe Lycett, footballer Alex Scott, YouTuber Joe Sugg, and comedian Josh Widdicombe.

In Judi Dench’s episode, the 86-year-old star unearths her Danish roots!

The national treasure also seizes the chance to find out about her ancestors, starting with her father, Reginald – who never spoke of his experiences during the First World War.

Travelling further into her family history, Dench’s investigations lead her to Denmark and nobility, where to her delight she discovers some incredible Shakespearean links.

Executive producer Colette Flight commented: “Who Do You Think You Are? is back with another line-up of Britain’s best-loved celebrities exploring their family histories across the UK, Ireland, Denmark and Jamaica.”

She teased: “The incredible personal stories they unearth of their ancestors’ lives – from royal love triangles to labourers fighting for their rights, from Victorian child sweeps to battling fascists in London’s East end – reflect and illuminate all our collective history.”

Emily Smith, BBC Commissioning Editor for Documentaries, added: “We are very excited for this new series of Who Do You Think You Are? and for viewers to share in the extraordinary mix of personal celebrity histories taking us across the world, and which together reflect our rich collective history.”

Season 18 of Who Do You Think You Are? premieres on BBC One in the UK in October.

The official Who Do You Think You Are? book ‘Encyclopedia of Genealogy’ is available on Amazon.