‘I was knocked sideways!'

Jodie Whittaker on following in her beloved grandmother’s footsteps

- CAREN CLARK

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

NEW MONDAY / BBC1 / 9PM / EP 1 of 4 / FACTUAL

Jodie Whittaker adored her larger-than-life paternal grandmother, pub landlady Greta Whittaker, née Bedford.

So when the Doctor Who and Broadchurch star was approached by the makers of BBC1’s popular genealogy show Who Do You Think You Are?, which returns this week for a 17th series, she jumped at the chance to delve into Greta’s history.

But as Jodie investigated the World War One experiences of Greta’s half-brother, Walter Clements, she discovered tragedy and surprises.

Meanwhile, on her maternal line, there were more shocks as she unearthed the truth about her ancestors the Aucklands, who were coal-mine owners and controversially kept their Yorkshire mine open during the industrial strikes of the 1920s.

TV Times caught up with Jodie, 38, via video chat to find out more...

How did you feel when the makers of Who Do You Think You Are? asked if you would like to take part?

Delighted! I love the show and friends of mine had been on, so I thought, ‘Please find something good!’ My dad Adrian couldn’t even tell you anything about his uncles and aunts, and on my mum Yvonne’s side, there was just one story that was convoluted in its passing down, so we had a lot to learn. In our family, it’s not like it goes blurry after 300 years – it goes blurry after my mum and dad!

It sounds like your paternal grandmother Greta, who has now sadly passed away, was very special to you...