[Bonanzoid]

Crowsy, yes you are entitled to your opinion, it just so happens that the basis of your opinion has been misunderstood. He didn't mean he hoped they weren't English because he doesn't like the English but it was because he has been proud of his Irish heritage all his life and didn't want that to change. I'm Scottish, and in the same vein I wouldn't have been offended if he had said he hoped his relatives weren't Scottish in that context, he merely doesn't want to be denied his lifelong heritage.

But, I can see how your posts didn't change in opinion, it's not as if anyone posted explaining what he meant...

[Jill]

I really enjoyed it. I'm glad to see you guys did too. I hope the press don't be too hard/critical of him as I hope Chris does other documentries etc in the future. I found the part about family living in the slums in Cook Street really sad and quite amazing - 4/5 families to each house, madness. I can imagine there is a hell of a lot of people who related to the show.
Good work Mr M, plus you can really tell how much weight he's lost now!

Moyles = bald - Hope Dom gets his own back

[C-Kay]

Where anybody was from and what they are proud of is not the issue here, and you call me daft. grow up people. The way he implied 'that he hopes they are not English' was insulting. Can you imagine if someone said said that on TV about, Scotland, Wales, Ireland they would be riots. You people are naive to think that this sort of thing doesn't upset people? I found it offensive and think he is a bit of pratt but that is my own personal opinion and i'm entitled to it.

I cant work out why you were insulted by it. Do you actually listen to the show? Did you even watch last nights show, when he said he was proud to be a Yorksireman (before he made the joke about hoping his granparents weren't English, might i add)?, have you not heard his going on and on about his Irish roots over the years?

Seriously, you need to get off your high horse, if you're offended by that i dont know how you get through life. I bet you're a Daily Mail reader too.

[Ed Pummelon]

Well, there are 28 posts on here, and only two of those are from someone who's decided to get all offended about something they haven't understood. If that ratio applies to the whole audience of the programme (not that there's any reason why it should of course) then it should be quite a hit.

[CassieJackson]

Where anybody was from and what they are proud of is not the issue here, and you call me daft. grow up people. The way he implied 'that he hopes they are not English' was insulting. Can you imagine if someone said said that on TV about, Scotland, Wales, Ireland they would be riots. You people are naive to think that this sort of thing doesn't upset people? I found it offensive and think he is a bit of pratt but that is my own personal opinion and i'm entitled to it.

Yes you are entitled to your opinion. I'm also entitled to mine - that you probably watched the programme last night just itching to find something to be offended about.

I've watched all the "Who Do You Think You Are" programmes and found that it was an excellent addition to the series. It was nice to see Chris on this type of programme.

[Yudster]

Where anybody was from and what they are proud of is not the issue here, and you call me daft. grow up people. The way he implied 'that he hopes they are not English' was insulting. Can you imagine if someone said said that on TV about, Scotland, Wales, Ireland they would be riots. You people are naive to think that this sort of thing doesn't upset people? I found it offensive and think he is a bit of pratt but that is my own personal opinion and i'm entitled to it.

You're not ony missing the point of what he said, you're missing the point of who he is. I'm going to explain this very slowly so you understand. It. Was. A. Joke. He. Wasn't. Being. Serious.

I am (as far as I know) as English as its possible to be (and that's debatable in and of itself), and I genuinely don't understand how anyone who has lived long enough to produce an 11 year old child could possibly be offended by what was said. You are, as you say, entitled to your opinion, but in this case your opinion illustrates some pretty silly aspects of your personality. You do have that Daily Mail reader air of being thrilled to be outraged whenever and wherever you can, and never missing an opportunity to be so, however silly.

[bradcali]

I didnt watch it.cant stand that show

[jocky85]

Then at least this thread should be bradcali free!

[Munki Bhoy]

First time I watched the show was last week for Davina McCall. So with all her great family it was good to see a second show where it was basically a bunch of people who lived through bad times in the slums. I'd worried this was just going to be a "look how great my family is - we did loads of great stuff" pompous load of nonsense, but it isn't. And because of that you get to see just how great Chris' family are for completely different reasons. Yes, they didn't design Windsor Castle or whatever it was Davina's ancestor did. But they struggled and fought and sacrificed to get the family to where they are today. I've no doubt Chris probably appreciates the position he's in now all the more for finding out about the humble beginnings. And just to note, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Davina's one. I'm sure she's proud of where she came from and what her ancestors achieved, and so she should be. It's just good to get completely different stories.

But the bit that struck me the most was the bit where he read just how his great-grandfather had died in Belgium. Personally, I couldn't even tell you who killed my great-grandfather - the Russians or the Germans (all I know is it was during the 1939 invasion of Poland by the pair of them) - but here Chris read just exactly how his had died. And that's powerful stuff. He's lucky that it was so detailed and graphic... though I'm not sure lucky is the right word in some ways. How many people died in that war? Millions. Yet here we have someone describing how one person in that war died.

I'd love to go find this stuff out about my own family. But I know what I'm looking for doesn't exist for most of it on one side. Too many revolutions and wars wiping out all records. I can't even ask relatives, my dad's the oldest surviving one on his side now. So if I did it, it would be just a tad lop-sided in my mum's favour. Which is a shame.

There's some right eejits on this thread today though. Like the one complaining about the "I hope I'm not English" comment. That's at worst because it would be boring, but as has been pointed out far more likely because he's been brought up to think he's Irish descended. If someone came along and told me that I wasn't Irish or Polish or whatever I think I'd be pretty cheesed off about it!

And moaning about him romanticising about the Irish freedom fighting bit is just typical of the ignorance of British history in this country (and it is British history even if we're on the "evil" side in this interpretation). I mean, if someone mentions the IRA people immediately think terrorists. Fair enough, that's pretty much what they are today from a British point of view. From their own point of view, they're freedom fighters. Personally, I tend to think they're woefully misguided and their methods leave a lot to be desired, but I appreciate where they're coming from. But then I've read up on the history, and I know that referring to the IRA doesn't necessarily mean terrorism. Sometimes it refers to the original IRA who were freedom fighters and helped create what is now the Irish Republic. Indeed, what James Moyles was part of prior to WWI was pretty much what evolved into the IRA. Of course, saying that Chris' great-grandfather was in the IRA would no doubt have lead to all sorts of complaints. Mind you, ask people like the O'Keaffes what they thought of British rule in Ireland. No wonder they wanted freedom. Anyway, enough about Irish Republicanism, I get enough of that from more misguided and ill-informed people at the football...

All that aside, I think we all had the same thought at one point though. "Dom's gonna love this tomorrow..."

[Johnny 1989]

First time I watched the show was last week for Davina McCall. So with all her great family it was good to see a second show where it was basically a bunch of people who lived through bad times in the slums. I'd worried this was just going to be a "look how great my family is - we did loads of great stuff" pompous load of nonsense, but it isn't. And because of that you get to see just how great Chris' family are for completely different reasons. Yes, they didn't design Windsor Castle or whatever it was Davina's ancestor did. But they struggled and fought and sacrificed to get the family to where they are today. I've no doubt Chris probably appreciates the position he's in now all the more for finding out about the humble beginnings. And just to note, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Davina's one. I'm sure she's proud of where she came from and what her ancestors achieved, and so she should be. It's just good to get completely different stories.

But the bit that struck me the most was the bit where he read just how his great-grandfather had died in Belgium. Personally, I couldn't even tell you who killed my great-grandfather - the Russians or the Germans (all I know is it was during the 1939 invasion of Poland by the pair of them) - but here Chris read just exactly how his had died. And that's powerful stuff. He's lucky that it was so detailed and graphic... though I'm not sure lucky is the right word in some ways. How many people died in that war? Millions. Yet here we have someone describing how one person in that war died.

I'd love to go find this stuff out about my own family. But I know what I'm looking for doesn't exist for most of it on one side. Too many revolutions and wars wiping out all records. I can't even ask relatives, my dad's the oldest surviving one on his side now. So if I did it, it would be just a tad lop-sided in my mum's favour. Which is a shame.

There's some right eejits on this thread today though. Like the one complaining about the "I hope I'm not English" comment. That's at worst because it would be boring, but as has been pointed out far more likely because he's been brought up to think he's Irish descended. If someone came along and told me that I wasn't Irish or Polish or whatever I think I'd be pretty cheesed off about it!

And moaning about him romanticising about the Irish freedom fighting bit is just typical of the ignorance of British history in this country (and it is British history even if we're on the "evil" side in this interpretation). I mean, if someone mentions the IRA people immediately think terrorists. Fair enough, that's pretty much what they are today from a British point of view. From their own point of view, they're freedom fighters. Personally, I tend to think they're woefully misguided and their methods leave a lot to be desired, but I appreciate where they're coming from. But then I've read up on the history, and I know that referring to the IRA doesn't necessarily mean terrorism. Sometimes it refers to the original IRA who were freedom fighters and helped create what is now the Irish Republic. Indeed, what James Moyles was part of prior to WWI was pretty much what evolved into the IRA. Of course, saying that Chris' great-grandfather was in the IRA would no doubt have lead to all sorts of complaints. Mind you, ask people like the O'Keaffes what they thought of British rule in Ireland. No wonder they wanted freedom. Anyway, enough about Irish Republicanism, I get enough of that from more misguided and ill-informed people at the football...

All that aside, I think we all had the same thought at one point though. "Dom's gonna love this tomorrow..."

I only watched the first half late last night & have to say I agree with your assesment so far Munki. I should point out I wasn't offended at all about the "English" comments. I'd imagine if I had being bought up all my life to be told that I was from an Irish Ancestory & then was told that my family actually originated from Aldershot I probably would be a bit dissapointed as well.

Also considering the conditions that the Irish had to live in back then, I'm not surprised they wanted independence from the UK.

[bradcali]

3rd worst audience share in the entire history of the show http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/ratings/m ... 59.article seems like people just dont want to give Chris a chance!He'll be gutted about the low audience.He really seemed to think this show could change perceptions of him.It was probably wishful thinking

[Ed Pummelon]

He'll be gutted about the low audience.

Do you actually know CM or anyone at Radio 1? I've been wondering this for a while now...

[dannimaria]

Crowsy, I'm surprised that out of all the things Chris Moyles has ever said, it's his comment about hoping he's not English that has offended you.

Irish people, generally, are fiercely patriotic, being so doesn't make you a 'racialist'. Just so's you know.

<shakes head>

[BhoyWonder]

First time I watched the show was last week for Davina McCall. So with all her great family it was good to see a second show where it was basically a bunch of people who lived through bad times in the slums. I'd worried this was just going to be a "look how great my family is - we did loads of great stuff" pompous load of nonsense, but it isn't. And because of that you get to see just how great Chris' family are for completely different reasons. Yes, they didn't design Windsor Castle or whatever it was Davina's ancestor did. But they struggled and fought and sacrificed to get the family to where they are today. I've no doubt Chris probably appreciates the position he's in now all the more for finding out about the humble beginnings. And just to note, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Davina's one. I'm sure she's proud of where she came from and what her ancestors achieved, and so she should be. It's just good to get completely different stories.

But the bit that struck me the most was the bit where he read just how his great-grandfather had died in Belgium. Personally, I couldn't even tell you who killed my great-grandfather - the Russians or the Germans (all I know is it was during the 1939 invasion of Poland by the pair of them) - but here Chris read just exactly how his had died. And that's powerful stuff. He's lucky that it was so detailed and graphic... though I'm not sure lucky is the right word in some ways. How many people died in that war? Millions. Yet here we have someone describing how one person in that war died.

I'd love to go find this stuff out about my own family. But I know what I'm looking for doesn't exist for most of it on one side. Too many revolutions and wars wiping out all records. I can't even ask relatives, my dad's the oldest surviving one on his side now. So if I did it, it would be just a tad lop-sided in my mum's favour. Which is a shame.

There's some right eejits on this thread today though. Like the one complaining about the "I hope I'm not English" comment. That's at worst because it would be boring, but as has been pointed out far more likely because he's been brought up to think he's Irish descended. If someone came along and told me that I wasn't Irish or Polish or whatever I think I'd be pretty cheesed off about it!

And moaning about him romanticising about the Irish freedom fighting bit is just typical of the ignorance of British history in this country (and it is British history even if we're on the "evil" side in this interpretation). I mean, if someone mentions the IRA people immediately think terrorists. Fair enough, that's pretty much what they are today from a British point of view. From their own point of view, they're freedom fighters. Personally, I tend to think they're woefully misguided and their methods leave a lot to be desired, but I appreciate where they're coming from. But then I've read up on the history, and I know that referring to the IRA doesn't necessarily mean terrorism. Sometimes it refers to the original IRA who were freedom fighters and helped create what is now the Irish Republic. Indeed, what James Moyles was part of prior to WWI was pretty much what evolved into the IRA. Of course, saying that Chris' great-grandfather was in the IRA would no doubt have lead to all sorts of complaints. Mind you, ask people like the O'Keaffes what they thought of British rule in Ireland. No wonder they wanted freedom. Anyway, enough about Irish Republicanism, I get enough of that from more misguided and ill-informed people at the football...

All that aside, I think we all had the same thought at one point though. "Dom's gonna love this tomorrow..."

Very well said, a lot of ignorance about this subject.

Enjoyed the show thought chris came across very well and honest. His story could be the same for thousands of other Irish people.

[richardtomlinson]

3rd worst audience share in the entire history of the show ...

Oh dear, it seems ol' brad can't even copy and paste without twisting the text!

It clearly states "third worst performance" not "share". If you're going to analyse ratings please don't make assumptions. The number of viewers is massively different from audience share.

Furthermore, it states "on the channel" not "in the entire history of the show". Come on now, that's wildly misquoting the article!

I realise this isn't overly important to everyone, but why not aim for accuracy? I guess we've just got to be thankful he even took the time to list his source!

[emzadoodle]

What a fantastic episode of WDYTYA.
I wouldn't say I'm an extreme Moyles fan - if I happen to be in the car when his show is on (pretty rarely to be honest), I'll tune in but I wouldn't really go out of my way to listen, but I thought that he was excellent in the show last night. I think it's a bit of a shame that a lot of people don't really seem to "get" his humour (for instance, whoever it is who's pretty insistent that Moyles was dissing the English - pretty ridiculous seeing as he said himself on the same show that Leeds always feels like home to him!), but it's almost undeniable that he came across very well in WDYTYA, hopefully quashing a lot of bad feelings towards him after all his recent Radio 1 scandals.
It was certainly far more watchable than that Channel 4 show he did a while back...
Well done Chris!

[richardtomlinson]

Damn, advising bradcali diverted my attention away from the real reason for posting on the thread.

I thought our non-UKers may also like to watch the show, and as i'm not sure if the iPlayer Downloader works abroad, the show is now available via this download link.

[Yudster]

I was deeply struck by the depths of poverty which his family were in such a relatively short time ago. How impressive that at least some of them managed to survive and struggle through to better things. That picture of the relative on his mum's side, Hannah, holding Chris at his christening was a beautiful thing when taken in the context of what we then found out about her background.

Some people have mentioned Chris's reaction to hearing that his grandfather, and Irish nationalist activist, should apparently be so ready to enlist in the british army, but I thought it was very clear that the question he raised was firmly contexed in recent history, and it was also clearly answered in detail.

[Ed Pummelon]

He described it as a "contradiction", which to anyone who wasn't aware of the history of that period it would be. It certainly was for me, and I was glad he raised it, as I was hoping to learn the answer. Or to put it the other way around, if he hadn't flagged it up, it would have left - I imagine - a lot of viewers wondering how that situation came about. Of course there is also the possibility that I was the only one watching who didn't already know, but I doubt it.

[jt78963]

Even today Irish citizens can enlist in the British Army, the same as citizens of Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Canada and every other country that makes up the 53 member states of the Commonwealth. The only difference is that today there is also an Irish army.

[Largejanner]

I generally like Moylsey, but I think his longing to be wholly Irish and his disappointment at being possibly English was a tad strange and enlightening!
The inference I gleaned from that part of the programme was that he perhaps the thought of being English would make him less windswept and interesting to us and perhaps even to himself.
We all know celebrities have a finely honed sense of their own self image, but possibly being unexpectedly English should`nt have caused him so much angst surely.
I remember Davd Tennant being on the same show and to his horror finding out his Ulster ancestors were dyed-in-the-wool Orangemen!....cue the producers of the show hunting down a distant cousin who`d married a catholic and had been in the vicinity of the Bloody Sunday massacre for poor "lefty" David to eulogise about!
If you can`t handle your family`s history, why go on the programme in the first place....oh yes publicity I suppose!

[jt78963]

I don't think he was too fussed to be honest. He seemed more suprised than dissapointed. I can understand where he's coming from though. If I found out that my family was Scottish or Hillfolkish I would be slightly taken aback, not because I was dissapointed but because I had always thought I was English.

At the end of the day he's English anyway as he was born in Leeds.

Edit: What is an orangeman? I've never heard that before.

[foot-loose]

To be fair to him, I'd be disappointed to be Engerlish as well...

[jt78963]

You remind me of Frankie Boyle.
"We Scots don't care about global warming because we'll be sitting on our mountains watching the English drown".

[gerard o reilly]

great show last nite chris bn waiting long time to see it since last year lol, this is gerard o reilly aggies grandson from who do u think u r so no matter what any1 says about what u have chris we can always let them know where u come from