Who Do You Think You Are? returns to the BBC as Ruth Madeley's 'sensitive' family secret is revealed
Things finally make sense for Ruth and her dad GeoffWho Do You Think You Are? is returning to the BBC and actress Ruth Madeley is about to uncover a massive family secret.
The show has been off air for several weeks due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, but it is finally making a comeback.
Years and Years star Ruth, 38, is the next celebrity to trace back her family tree and she is in for a very big shock.
While taking part in the show, experts discovered the truth behind her father Geoff’s side of the family – and it was something neither of them expected.
Who Do You Think You Are? is back on the BBC with Ruth Madeley
The BBC first approached Ruth for Who Do You Think You Are in 2021. And now finally, all the missing puzzle pieces in her ancestry have been completed.
Ruth will open the upcoming episode with a plea to find out more information about her dad Geoff’s family.
She says: “Growing up, me and my sister knew a lot about my mum’s side. They were all really close. But on my dad’s side, we didn’t really know anything.
“We weren’t as close. They were more spread out and the relationship felt a bit strange.”
She adds: “My dad didn’t know anything at all. He just said his mum was quite quiet and had some pictures, but we didn’t know anything about her background.”
Things soon fall into place, however, when they discover Geoff’s mum – Ruth’s grandmother Beatrice – was adopted. Geoff had absolutely no idea, but Ruth says the BBC team handled the revelation “sensitively”.
“They told my dad first,” she explains. “The team were incredible and so supportive. When they said they’d found sensitive information, I thought somebody had murdered somebody, but they told my dad his mum was adopted and we had no idea.”
It turns out that even Ruth’s grandfather, Beatrice’s husband, also didn’t know his wife had been adopted.
Ruth and Geoff are then left saddened when they discover the exact circumstances surrounding the adoption…
When is Who Do You Think You Are on?
The new series of Who Do You Think You Are? was only three episodes in when it had to take a break for the World Cup. Viewers had already watched Zoe Ball, Amy Dowden and Joe Swash before the 2026 run was paused.
Who Do You Think You Are? will start up again next week, but you need to watch out.
The World Cup will be nearing its end, meaning the schedules are still a little all over the place.
Instead of its usual Tuesday slot, Who Do You Think You Are? featuring Ruth Madeley will air at 9pm on Thursday July 9, 2026.
Looking forward to it already.
