My Grandad Was A Hero
TV Times|November 09, 2019
Gary Lineker on why his ancestor’s war story needs to be told…
Rebecca Fletcher
My Grandad Was A Hero

Former England football captain Gary Lineker uncovered some intriguing family secrets when he appeared on BBC1’s hit genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2013.

Discovering his great-greatgreat-grandfather was a poacher in Victorian England, it was actually another story – his grandad Stanley Abbs’ involvement in World War Two – that piqued Gary’s interest.

Which is why the popular Match of the Day presenter is looking into his family history once again for Gary Lineker: My Grandad’s War, exploring the often-overlooked Italian campaign, which started in 1943 and played a key part in the eventual Allied victory.

Here, Gary, 58, tells us more about his journey into the past and why the veterans’ contribution must never be forgotten…

Why was it so important to you to make this documentary?

I first discovered my grandfather’s story when filming Who Do You Think You Are?, but there were so many stories to cover, they didn’t have chance to feature it. Then the same production company asked me to make a documentary about him and I knew it was something I had to do.

He served in Italy as a member of the Royal Army Medical Corps. I don’t remember him ever speaking about his experiences in the war – it was grim, so I understand why.

This story is from the November 09, 2019 edition of TV Times.

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This story is from the November 09, 2019 edition of TV Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.