‘My journey of discovery'

David Walliams on finding showbiz genes and a tragic World War One story in his family tree

- Caren Clark

David Walliams has always been intrigued by a series of beautiful pictures that belonged to his adored paternal grandmother, Ivy.

They were rumoured to have been painted by a relative who suffered from shell shock after serving in World War One, and became the starting point for the Britain’s Got Talent judge’s exploration of his family tree for this week’s episode of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are?.

The images led David to uncover the harrowing experiences of his great-grandfather, Ivy’s dad John Boorman, who was left with debilitating mental illness after fighting at Ypres and the Somme with the Grenadier Guards.

But there were happier discoveries, too, as the comedian, actor and children’s author also learnt that his love for entertaining runs in the family genes. His maternal great-great-grandfather, William Haines, was a street musician and travelling showman.

Here, David, 49, reveals why he couldn’t be prouder of his ancestors…

Why did you want to research your family tree?

Apart from a few black-and-white photographs, I didn’t know much. And with all my grandparents having passed away, and my dad [Peter], I didn’t have many people I could ask. So the show seemed the perfect chance. Also, I’m interested in stories. This story was already written, I just had to find it out. It was a journey of discovery.

What have you learnt about your great-grandfather John Boorman, who painted the lovely pictures you now own?