Clare Balding cooks up fascinating family tree
The presenter discovered she was descended from a baking dynasty.
Sports presenter Clare Balding rose to the occasion for Who Do You Think You Are? by uncovering a tale of baking royalty in her family.
The popular TV star heard that her ancestors included aristocracy, a gay relative at a time when homosexuality was illegal, and a success story in New York where her family owned The Royal Baking Powder Company.
One wrote: “Loved wdytya tonight, your enthusiasm is infectious, really enjoyed your family history.”
Another tweeted: “Wow. What an amazing family history, British aristocracy to American baking powder, fascinating story of your ancestors.”
Someone else joked: “Clare Balding queen of New York City #WhoDoYouThinkYouAre riveting!!!”
The baking powder discovery was a particular hit with fans of the programme.
One tweeted: “Loved the New York stories. If baking powder ancestor had been a Brit, he’d have been knighted … “Arise, Sir …””
Another asked: “Really enjoyed the programme Clare. Are you going to take up baking now?”
Next week’s episode of the BBC One genealogy show features comedian and actor Adil Ray.
