Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe signs for Who Do You Think You Are? in heartbreaking story of World War One hero relative
AFTER 15 series and more than 120 celebrity guests, Who Do You Think You Are? producers have to look a little further these days to find magic in a celeb’s family tree.
But they’ve found just the man — the world’s most famous wizard, Daniel Radcliffe.
I’m told the Harry Potter icon is the second big name signing for the new series of the BBC genealogy show, after I revealed Titanic star Kate Winslet had also started digging into her past.
As part of Daniel’s journey through the history books, I’m told he will explore the heartbreaking story of his great- great-uncle Ernie — one of four brothers who went off to fight in World War One.
A TV source said: “When Daniel starred in TV drama My Boy Jack — one of his first major roles after Potter — his inspiration was his great-great-uncle Ernie, who lost his life in World War One.
As Daniel investigates exactly what happened to Ernie during the war, he discovers an extraordinary and moving cache of letters Ernie wrote home.
“He pieces together the heartbreaking story of how Ernie fought alongside his three brothers and how all of them, except for Ernie, survived.”
As well as the two Hollywood stars, the new series also features former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne and reality star Mark Wright.
They might need a big sprinkle of Hogwarts’ magic to make those episodes as watchable as Daniel and Kate’s.
READ MORE FROM ANDY HALLS' BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Alison in new roll
THIS Morning’s Alison Hammond didn’t just have a ball on Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule – she became one too.
The presenter took part in a stunt alongside Martine McCutcheon, Les Dennis and Sir Tom Courtenay “recreating” Martine’s EastEnders character Tiffany Mitchell’s famous fall down the stairs.
While her co-stars appeared to plunge down with ease, Alison said she could not gain enough speed, so she rolled up into a ball, like a hedgehog.
Judging by the near miss on the street outside, she could have become roadkill too.
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WHAT? My Gay Dog And Other Animals, C4, 9pm.
WHY? Apart from a stream of creatures humping each other, this docu has a serious element about animal sex preferences. A commercial sheep breeder explains how this is no good for business.
COLLAB -NO TO BGT REUNION
BRITAIN’S Got Talent chiefs love a dramatic back story, and even more so when it’s about one of their own acts.
Producers are trying to get Collabro, who won the eighth series in 2014, to take part in the All Stars edition.
But there is one small stumbling block – they haven’t signed former member Richard Hadfield, who quit the band in 2016.
A source said: “Producers are desperate to get the whole band back together, as it would make great TV to show them talking through their issues and working things out – then reuniting on stage together.
“It would spark interest in the band again and they think viewers would love to see them back together as they were then.”
However another source said: “Richard left years ago so there’s no reason why he would be part of it.”
Just sign the others then.
Rinder judges world
THE Sun’s legal expert Judge Rinder steps out of the court room to front a new topical entertainment series, The Rob Rinder Show.
The programme will see him unleash his razor-sharp wit on current events, joined by a host of celebrity guests.
Rob said: “I am thrilled beyond belief that Channel 4 has entrusted sorting out the world into my normal-sized hands.
“Given the state of the current global leaders, this feels exactly right, and I look forward to the controversy of considering both sides of any argument.”
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The show was among a host of show announcements by Channel 4 boss Ian Katz yesterday, which include new drama Deadwater Fell, starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo.
Harry Hill gets a new gig hosting Junior Bake Off, with Prue Leith and former contestant Liam Charles.
And Olympian Linford Christie and Corrie actress Sair Khan are the first celebrities to sign up for the channel’s new swimming challenge show in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, Sink Or Swim.
Let’s hope they can keep that slightly left-field format afloat.
Bizbit
EASTENDERS has confirmed the return of killer teen Hunter Owen. Actor Charlie Winter, last seen in the role on April 12, will return for a short upcoming storyline after he was spotted at the TV studios recording scenes to be aired this summer.
SOAPBOX
LISA is suspicious over Liam’s behaviour in HOLLYOAKS and accuses him of being the person who ran Grace over.
Meanwhile, Breda and Jack take Mercedes and Sylver to a salsa night at The Loft.
And Cindy and Joel chat in the pub about renting a flat together, as a jealous Goldie puts Cindy off living with Joel.
In EASTENDERS, Ben thanks Callum for yesterday, but then storms off in anger when Callum brings up Paul again.
Iqra finally tells Mariam and Arshad about how she ran away. After some advice from Mariam, a thoughtful Iqra then calls her father.
Bizbit
A GLITCH during BBC Breakfast left weather forecaster Carol Kirkwood smiling in awkward silence during a link with host Dan Walker at the D-Day ceremony in London. When she failed to answer his question, he was forced to move on.
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