Who Do You Think You Are?

BBC1, 9pm

He’s the former Labour Party stalwart who found a new lease of life as a television celebrity thanks to his brilliantly entertaining run on Strictly in 2016.

Now, in the last of this series, Ed Balls (right) is determined to find out about his roots, especially as the advancing dementia of his 82-year-old mother Carolyn means she is no longer able to pass on her own memories.

On his father’s side of the family it’s long been said that they can trace themselves back to an assistant surgeon who was on board the famous ship of Lord Nelson, HMS Victory. What will the truth prove to be after experts guide Balls through the historical records?

He also uncovers what may be the roots of his political instincts on his mother’s side, in the tale of an agricultural worker forced to defend his rights in court. ★★★★☆