WDYTYA - tiny gripe

[Treetotal]

As I said before:
The day they introduce DNA Testing into WDYTYA is the day I stop watching the programme.

Me too 
Carol

[Ruskie]

As I said before:
The day they introduce DNA Testing into WDYTYA is the day I stop watching the programme.

DNA testing was used in the most recent Australian series:
https://www.sbs.com.au/programs/who-do-you-think-you-are

(my memory of the details is vague but I remember thinking it was not much use) 

[Melbell]

I read a tiny piece in a newspaper recently by an eminent research geneticist who said that DNA testing to 'prove' anything about ancestry was a complete waste of time.  (No, sorry, I can't remember the name of the authority).  All the DNA companies must be laughing all the way to the bank, I suspect.

Melbell

[omega 1]

I read on internet whoever did (cant remember their name )the  DNA Testing on Cheddar Man it is a waste of money to have DNA test done  regarding family research

[Gillg]

A few months ago I was contacted by a WDYTYA researcher, who had found me via RootsChat.  She wouldn't say who she was researching, but I gave her the records I had and she kindly informed me later that they appeared to be correct!  I'm now waiting to see if I am connected to some "celebrity" in the next series.  Trouble is, I shall have to record the whole series, as I don't know who to look out for.

How did you know she was genuine Gillg? Not doubting you, I'm just curious. Must admit I'm suspicious of everyone. 

Roobarb - I looked her up on the net and found her to be a bone fide researcher and historian!  We also had a long telephone conversation where we shared information and we also shared several emails, particularly after she had been to the appropriate Record Office to check stuff.

Xinia, I'm afraid I have to disappoint you.  I'm certainly not a celebrity and haven't a clue which present day figure she was researching, though I do know which branch of my ancestors she was interested in. Maybe she will decide that we, like Parkinson, are too boring!

[Ruskie]

I read a tiny piece in a newspaper recently by an eminent research geneticist who said that DNA testing to 'prove' anything about ancestry was a complete waste of time.  (No, sorry, I can't remember the name of the authority).  All the DNA companies must be laughing all the way to the bank, I suspect.

Melbell

I think DNA testing was used in a couple of instances in the last Australian series. It didn't reveal much but I think one celeb was trying to prove a family story about having an ancestor from a different ethnicity (which was true). In this case the ancestor's name gave a pretty good clue where he came from.
(I might be getting my celeb's stories mixed up though because I did binge watch a few episodes at a time). 

[chirp]

I am actually enjoying the current series. I found the Shirley Ballas episode very interesting and did not have a problem that not all the mysteries were resolved; that's the nature of genealogy. The subject is rarely a researcher and they are expected to comment on their findings and make a summary so I guess they will inevitably tend to bestow positive attributes on their ancestors. I take that part with a pinch of salt. The best episode this series so far for me was without a doubt the Olivia Coleman one. I would really be interested to see a programme on "The Making of WDYTYA" and would also enjoy seeing a scientist subject - Steve Jones would be a good choice being a geneticist.

[Roobarb]

Thanks fro clarifying Gillg, sounds very interesting. 

[Phil Goater]

Re the Shirley Ballas episode I was looking around Prince Albert and Queen Victoria’s residence on the Isle of Wight - Osborne House - today and was intrigued to find a portrait of a young lady described as ‘A Malay from the Cape’ hanging in the corridor just before the magnificent Durbar room.

Phil