From the office: WDYTYA? Live countdown

Forget the BAFTAs, it’s the countdown to Who Do You Think You Are? Live next Friday that has been creating a buzz in our office this week.

I’ve been getting all the behind-the-scenes gossip from our colleagues – Annie, Caitlin and Kate – who’ve been putting the event together over the past year.

They tell me we’re expecting some unofficial celebrity visitors. WDYTYA? favourite Esther Rantzen will be joining Autodotbiography, Mel Giedroyc, one half of comedy team Mel and Sue, will be exploring her Polish roots at the Kresy-Siberia Virtual Museum stand, while there’s a rumour that newsreader Huw Edwards may put in an appearance on the National Library of Wales stand.

As well as the free gifts and competitions our exhibitors have lined up for you, my contacts tell me there are some not-to-be-missed launches scheduled. findmypast will be unveiling a major dataset, Deceased Online has just released a collection of burial records for Cheshire, with more promised for the show itself, and Robert Blatchford is rolling out his new title The Irish Family and Local History Handbook 

Our editor Sarah had a BAFTA award firmly in her sights this week, as she made a video showing novice genealogists how to kick start their research in time for WDYTYA? Live. See her in action below (if the video isn't displaying, you may need to refresh the page):

The February issue of the magazine, with free showguide, is still on sale until next Tuesday. Grab your copy before it’s too late so you can plan your visit.

We’re looking forward to meeting you, so don’t forget to come and say hello to us on the Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine stand (610)…