This week's TV: Jubilee festivities, The Great British Story and more

Submitted by mattelton

Tue, 2011-04-12 09:29

This week's
TV & radio
1 – 7 June

Pick of the week

The Diamond Jubilee Concert

Monday 4 June, 7.30pm BBC One

It might not be strictly genealogy-related, but since the Jubilee's the main thing happening over the next few days it seems churlish to ignore it. Marking 60 years of life under Elizabeth II be a whole host of stars from the music and theatre world, including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Shirley Bassey, Alfie Boe, Jools Holland and loveable pop upstarts JLS.

Also this week The Great British Story

Friday 1 June, 8pm BBC Two/BBC HD

In the second episode of this groundbreaking series, historian Michael Wood continues to explore the history of Britain from the ground up. In this episode, he focuses on how Britain developed ethnically and linguistically after the Dark Ages, and travels all over the British Isles meeting ordinary people who are discovering their medieval routes. This week's instalment also takes a look at how the Viking invasion shaped Britain and its people.

Jubilee Tribute to the Queen by the Prince of Wales

Friday 1 June, 8pm BBC One

Make sure to tune in to catch a glimpse of this rarely seen intimate side of Prince Charles, as he presents a personal tribute to his mother on her Jubilee weekend. This hour-long programme will feature never-before-seen photographs and home videos of the royal family.

War Hero in My Family

Tuesday 5 June, 7pm Channel 5

In the last in this very well-received series, broadcaster Angela Rippon goes on a journey to discover more about her father, who was a Royal Marine Gunner on the HMS Rodney and was present at the sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. Actor and presenter Robert Llewellyn, meanwhile, traces his father and his wartime work in Germany.

Who Do You Think You Are?

Various times throughout the week

Last but not least, there's another selection of classic Who Do You Think You Are? episodes to enjoy this week on digital Watch. This week’s episodes include comedian Rory Bremner discovering his father’s wartime past (Friday 1 June, 7pm), journalist and TV presenter Fiona Bruce tracing back her Scottish ancestors (Wednesday 6 June, 7pm), and newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky tracing her family history from the Holocaust to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

Words | Jessica Dowling

WDYTYA: Forum