Gemma Collins Explores Family History in BBC Genealogy Series

In a recent segment previewed on social media, television personality Gemma Collins shared emotional reflections on her mother’s mysterious past ahead of her appearance on the BBC genealogical series “Who Do You Think You Are?” In the episode, scheduled to air Thursday evening, Collins delves into her family history to uncover details about her mother, Joan, who was abandoned as a baby in a hospital and subsequently fostered.

In a poignant clip posted to Instagram, Collins, aged 43, voices her curiosity and pain, questioning why her mother was left behind and pondering the absence of any reconnection attempts. “My mum was fostered. Why was she left at the hospital? Why did they not try and come back for her? She never talks about it. I just think it’s too painful for her to go there,” Collins expressed.

“Who Do You Think You Are?” is a long-running BBC series that has been captivating audiences by exploring the family trees of various celebrities since its debut in 2004. The program, which has featured personalities like Vicky McClure, Adil Ray, and J.K. Rowling, continues to reveal intriguing historical narratives across Britain. Collins’s episode will focus on her journey to connect the dots of her mother’s early life, airing as part of the 21st series.

Beyond her mother’s story, Collins has notably hinted at uncovering a shocking familial connection to one of history’s most infamous figures—Jack the Ripper. During the filming of “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Collins discovered that she has ancestors from Dorset Street in East London, a location notoriously linked to the unsolved serial killings of 1888.

Collins’s upcoming episode promises to offer insights into her exploration of identity and lineage, igniting interest amongst viewers eager to follow her personal discoveries on the popular genealogy show. Her segment will be broadcast on BBC One and will also be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer at 9 PM.