WDYTYA

Post by **Ina** » Wed May 28, 2008 3:46 am

at Marilyn.

Ina

Post by **Anne H** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:51 am

If nothing else, I hope they were smart enough to pay cash for their off hour entertainment.

Marilyn!

Regards,
Anne H

mallog · Post by **mallog** » Wed May 28, 2008 9:33 am

I'm trusting the producers here in that they do seem to highlight "celebs" who have interesting stories. I think their celebrity is just the hook to get folk to watch. Some of the stories have been really moving and surprising. I love how some seem to find out the very thing they hate is in their roots.

Ooops that makes me think about mine

Agree with Chris in that I really enjoyed the "Family Ties" programme as it was nearer to our own experiences

Jamboesque · Post by **Jamboesque** » Wed May 28, 2008 10:55 am

It was the first series of WDYTYA that got me hooked on genealogy, I'm not sure I'm grateful for that or not, hundreds of hours on the internet and several hundred pounds lighter?

I seem to remember that the first series had informational sections at the end of the programme were worthwhile for the beginner, like me. I’d like to see them, obviously in the context of the individual’s story, some tips, hints and common mistakes and how to avoid them.

One of my constant gripes about the programme is that it never gives an idea on the costs of doing what they do and I wonder how many ‘celebs’ they’ve had to whinny out due to ‘lack of an interesting/novel story’?

FWIW my favourite WDYTYA’s were Steven Fry and Moira Stuart.

I'll probably watch/record the series as usual

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Wed May 28, 2008 11:11 am

The first series was approached very much from the BBC's public service ethos - so as well as the series, you had the 'red button' information features, the series 'Family Ties' which ran immediately after it on BBC4 (and which was entirely funded by the Open University), events, website activity etc. When the BBC suddenly realised they had a ratings winner, they then switched it to BBC1, and pretty much dumped the public service ethos regarding education, and concentrated on the public service ethos of entertainment! Now it has become a brand, which the production company have tried to repackage on other channels (eg. the C4 empire series, and the truly awful ITV series on occupations). Now it is enjoyable bubblegum for the eyes.
I would doubt that many celebrities get ditched along the the way any more, certainly not as many as in the first series. I think the earlier series were very much about the story, now it is a combination of the story and the celebrity. TV producers can always find an interesting way to tell you about nothing and a celebrity nobody!

I think the last series showed some poor judgment in its production values - taking John Hurt all the way to Ireland to meet the Marquis of Sligo, only to later be told that he had actually nothing to do with Hurt family, or Carol Vordeman meeting somebody in a shop who just happens to know the answer to a burning question, a situation which was later revealed to be a complete fabrication by the production team. Which is a pity. The series are still enjoyable to watch, but in a lot of cases are not where you are going to learn anything like the methodology needed to research your family tree.

So best to keep visiting TS on that front!

Chris

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Wed May 28, 2008 12:31 pm

John Barrowman? Is he not on the TV enough these days? Saying that I heard ages ago he was from my home town of Bellshill although I also heard he was from Mount Vernon. I just feel I would be more inclined to watch the programme if it was someone at some time for and none of the ones comming really interest me. Although as you say there histories may be interesting.

I have felt for a while, although it would be expensive if the BBC went international and discovered the British roots of some international artists, Nanci Griffith for instance whose mother was Scottish and father Welsh, etc., or Donald Sutherland who I am sure is of British decent.

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Wed May 28, 2008 12:43 pm

I know someone just now trying to get a programme put together on Donald and Kiefer Sutherland's genealogy!

John Barrowman has this weird thing where he talks in a Scottish accent when in Scotland, and in an American accent when elsewhere - I've never twigged out whether it is an act or not! Follow him for a few weeks and it will be interesting to see if his accent bounces all over the place!

Chris

margarita · Post by **margarita** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:06 pm

Andrew C. wrote:John Barrowman? Is he not on the TV enough these days?

Can I be really ignorant and ask "Who is John Barrowman?"

Perhaps the fact that I don't have a television is the reason I don't know the name.

maggie

Chris Paton · Post by **Chris Paton** » Wed May 28, 2008 2:13 pm

John Barrowman is a Scottish born but American raised West End musicals actor, who hit the telly limelight a couple of years ago through the resurrected version of Doctor Who, and its spin off series, Torchwood, in which he was cast in the lead role of Captain Jack Harkness. He also regularly pops up on ITV's This Morning daytime chat show and on various shows on the BBC. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barrowman

Hope that helps!

Chris

margarita · Post by **margarita** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:12 pm

Chris Paton wrote:John Barrowman is a Scottish born but American raised West End musicals actor, who hit the telly limelight a couple of years ago through the resurrected version of Doctor Who, and its spin off series, Torchwood, in which he was cast in the lead role of Captain Jack Harkness. He also regularly pops up on ITV's This Morning daytime chat show and on various shows on the BBC. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barrowman

Hope that helps!

Chris

Thanks Chris,

I almost wish I hadn't asked!!

maggie