From Who Do You Think You Are to 23andMe: Why are we so intrigued by our ancestry?

As someone who has always been fascinated by her past, Sabrina Barr was keen to explore how her family tree could be connected to her sense of self-identity

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When Danny Dyer discovered he was related to Thomas Cromwell, King Edward III and William the Conqueror on Who Do You Think You Are?, viewers were (understandably) a little surprised at the Eastenders actor’s links to royalty. The 2016 episode has since been described as one of the most entertaining for the genealogy programme (thanks in part to Dyer saying things like “I’m going to treat myself to a massive ruff”) but for a show that regularly attracts audiences of 6m viewers and won a Bafta in 2017, there must be a reason for its success beyond a single comedic cameo.

Earlier this year I was offered a chance to discover what that magic ingredient is when probate genealogy firm Anglia Research signed me up to my very own Who Do You Think You Are? experience. I jumped at the chance to follow in the footsteps of stars such as Naomie Harris, Ainsley Harriott and Sharon Osbourne. Was I also going to discover unexpected links to nobility and have to ask colleagues to start addressing me as HRH? Or, more likely, learn how family members I never even knew existed had actually played a role in shaping my life.

Admittedly it was wishful thinking to imagine a future full of crowns and spending weekends with the Sussexes in Los Angeles. Nonetheless, being presented with a folder containing archives dating back more than a century was totally exhilarating.