It seems that all my harmless pleasures are being taken away from me. Being interested in history I used to like the above mentioned programme. Despite criticism that the BBC were using it to promote the channel's stars it was fascinating viewing, showing, with some technical detail, how to research a family tree.

The present series, however, has virtually eliminated research methods and concentrated on various episodes from the past in which the selected families took a part. And what episodes the BBC has decided to highlight ! 

Barbara Windsor dwelt gloomily on the Irish potato famine. Robert Lindsay gave us ineptitude at Gallipoli. Colin Jackson's programme covered slavery and the most recent, David Tenant served up a triple bonus of Highland Clearances, the Plantation of Ulster and Bloody Sunday.

Truly a liberal Guardian-reading version of Our Island's Story. If I wanted this sort of thing I would content myself with Time Team and Tony Robinson, who drools when "Low status" artifacts turn up and he can imply that if only the medieval peasant had had the foresight to vote New Labour, he would have been living in a pleasant semi with carpets and central heating.

Do you agree Phil ? "Ooh Ahh, Tony".