Diane Morgan Uncovers Surprising Family Secret on Who Do You Think You Are?
A recent episode of the popular genealogy series, Who Do You Think You Are?, featured actress Diane Morgan delving into her ancestry, uncovering a surprising family secret in the process. According to a report by the Express, which first covered Morgan’s journey on the show, the 49-year-old star embarked on a journey to trace her lineage, often venturing to various locations to unravel the mysteries of her family tree.
As reported by the Express, Morgan’s father passed away six years ago, leaving behind an incomplete family tree with several questions yet to be answered. Morgan had always believed that her father’s side of the family originated from the North of England, but recollections of ‘German Charlie’ and a Scottish connection through her great-great-grandmother suggested otherwise. The comedian, as noted by the Express, was particularly keen to learn more about her great-great-aunt Sarah Jane, affectionately known as Jinny.
The Express reported that a point of interest for Morgan was a commemorative plaque, or death penny, left behind by Jinny, which honours Jinny’s fiancé, Albert Dugdale, who tragically lost his life in the First World War. As Morgan hopes to discover if any of Albert’s relatives are still alive, she wishes to return the penny to his family. To kickstart her investigation, Morgan paid a visit to her mother Eirwen in Wales, where they sifted through the family archives, uncovering photographs and documents related to Jinny and Albert, as per the Express‘ coverage.
Later, Morgan learned that prior to the war, both Jinny and Albert resided in Farnworth. In Bolton, Morgan met historian Michala Hulme, who disclosed that Albert and Jinny likely worked at the local mill, as reported by the Express. The Prestwich brothers ran the mill, churning out Burberry trench coats, a First World War design intended for officers only. Consequently, it came as no surprise when Morgan learned that Albert was clad in standard military wool, not the famed garb.
As Morgan continued her investigation, she visited Farnworth to glimpse into Jinny and Albert’s bygone world and stumbled upon a personal connection – their old street was a stone’s throw from her childhood home. An exclusive snippet, as per the Express, revealed Morgan’s revelation on Newport Street, unearthing how her history was intertwined with Auntie Jinny’s, unnoticed by her father: "Newport Street is directly opposite where I grew up on Phillips Avenue and my dad never mentioned that’s where auntie Jinny lived."
The Express also reported that Morgan’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are? aired on Tuesday, June 10 at 8pm. This episode is just one example of the show’s ability to uncover surprising family secrets and provide a glimpse into the past. As noted by the Express, Who Do You Think You Are? continues to be a popular genealogy series, with many celebrities, including Morgan, taking part to learn more about their ancestry.
The show’s use of historical records and expert analysis allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of their family’s history, often revealing unexpected connections and stories. In Morgan’s case, her journey on Who Do You Think You Are? provided a fascinating insight into her family’s past, highlighting the importance of exploring and preserving family history, as highlighted in the Express‘ coverage.
Further information on Who Do You Think You Are? can be found on the BBC website.
