Chris Moyles

Synopsis

Known for his outspoken views, Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles finds himself unexpectedly emotional as he goes back to his Irish roots. Chris is proud of his northern background but he has always felt that his heart lies in Ireland. Chris's mother originates from Dublin and his Leeds-born father's family roots are in Ballina, West Ireland. Chris knows little about his Irish ancestry and is keen to explore the history on both sides of his family in Ireland.

In Dublin, Chris is surprised to discover that his maternal grandmother, Hannah Nelson, grew up in the care of her grandmother from the age of three. What led to Hannah being separated from her mother and father at such a young age? Chris sets out to solve the mystery and uncovers a tale of grim poverty as well as triumph over adversity.

On his father's side, Chris has always believed that the Moyles surname means 'soldier' in Gaelic. On the next stage of his journey, he is disappointed to find out the real and much less heroic meaning of his surname. In Ballina, Chris searches local records that reveal the Moyles family lived in the area for generations. However, Chris is saddened when he discovers that in his great, great-grandparents' time it was one of the poorest areas in West Ireland and they suffered huge tragedy.

However, Chris's story doesn't end there, as he moves forward a generation to find out what happened to his great-grandfather who died in 1914. The trail leads to the battlefield of Ypres, evoking a reaction Chris never expected to have about a relative who died nearly a hundred years ago.

Credits

Participant

Chris Moyles

Director

Harvey Lilley

Producer

Colette Flight

Broadcasts

1. Wed 22 Jul 2009
   21:00
   BBC One
2. Wed 22 Jul 2009
   22:00
   BBC HD
3. Tue 28 Jul 2009
   19:00
   BBC Two (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland only)
4. Tue 28 Jul 2009
   19:00
   BBC HD