WDYTYA Boy George

[Jomot]

I was impressed by the interest, dignity & respect Boy George showed wothout any phoney emotion; obviously very fond of mum & aunt. The stories were well told - it's that social history that makes WDYTYA worth watching - it doesn't matter whose ancestors prompted the telling.

My thoughts exactly. 

The stories were powerful and sad, and brought to life by some wonderful documents.  I could have done without the earnest singers at the end though. 

[Rena]

I also liked this programme.  Even if his father had lived the children would still be taken from him, as it was thought men couldn't look after children.  Unfortunately, I can't recall the name of the man who fought to get his motherless children out of a nun's orphanage.

I think you mean Desmond Doyle?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Doyle
The film 'Evelyn' was based on his story.

Thanks Dublin1850.  It's probably the chap.  I knew my memory was being splattered but not to such an extent that I got so many facts wrong.  I suppose I should be grateful for small mercies in that I remembered the gist of it.