EastEnders star Ross Kemp was visibly moved as he explored his family heritage on the latest episode of BBC's Who Do You Think You Are? The 60-year-old actor, renowned for his role as Grant Mitchell in the 1990s soap, has spent years documenting his adventures in some of the world's most dangerous locations. However, this time, he turned his investigative skills to his own family history, uncovering a remarkable tale of survival at sea.
Kemp's journey began with his maternal great-grandfather, Arthur Chalmers, affectionately known as Pop. According to his mother, Pop grew up in a pub in Portsmouth and was one of eleven children. The family lore suggested that Ross's great-great-grandfather was from Ireland and that Pop had spent most of his life at sea, surviving at least two shipwrecks. During World War II, he mysteriously vanished, only to reappear later wearing a US Army uniform.
Genealogist Maggie Lewis, who assisted Ross in his quest, quickly debunked the story about his great-great-grandfather's Irish origins. Lewis revealed that there were at least four generations of Chalmers who hailed from Portsmouth, not Ireland. Despite this revelation, Ross was eager to investigate the truth behind the shipwreck stories that had been passed down through the family.
In his search for answers, Ross discovered a 1943 passenger list indicating that Pop was in Casablanca, listed as "a survivor ex the Duchess of York." This led him to delve deeper into the history of the ship, which met its tragic fate during the war.
On July 11, 1943, the Duchess of York, part of a convoy, was torpedoed by German forces approximately 300 miles off the coast of Portugal. The ship sank, resulting in the loss of 89 lives. Those who survived, including Pop, faced a perilous 700-mile journey to the nearest large port under Allied control—Casablanca.
Upon reaching Casablanca, Pop was taken to a US military base, where he was given a uniform to wear for his journey home. This discovery brought a wave of emotions for Ross, who expressed his delight in confirming the shipwreck story and understanding why his mother had recalled Pop returning in an American uniform.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of his findings, Ross said, "It's like I'm smiling at the fact he was shipwrecked but I was questioning if that ever happened. It's very odd. I make lots of documentaries about a lot of stuff but when it's about you or your family, it has a very different impact, it really does. Oh Pop, what a life he had."
He continued, sharing the deeper connection he felt to his ancestor: "It's such a complex feeling to think about somebody who I was told about all my life by my grandmother and my mother, had been this kind of interesting traveler, and there are similarities that I'm drawing from understanding him that I see in myself."
Meanwhile, in other news, Queen Camilla viewed a new display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London on May 6, 2025. This installation features nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The display serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict.
On the same day, King Charles and Queen Camilla observed a military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The celebrations honored the Allied victory in Europe in 1945, with the royal family watching from the Queen Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace.
In a different realm of news, legendary singer Smokey Robinson faces serious allegations from former female employees who have accused him of sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment. The plaintiffs are seeking a trial with general damages for their claims, totaling no less than $50 million. This lawsuit has drawn significant media attention, highlighting serious issues of workplace misconduct.
In political news, US President Donald Trump stated on May 6, 2025, that all fans from around the world would be welcome at the 2026 World Cup, despite concerns that his administration's border policies might impact the event. Standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a White House briefing, Trump expressed excitement about the upcoming tournament.
Additionally, former Bank of England governor Mark Carney spoke to the media after meeting with Trump at the White House. This meeting marked the first time Carney had spoken with Trump since the newly elected Canadian prime minister won the federal election. The discussion comes in the wake of Trump's previous remarks about potentially annexing Canada and imposing tariffs.
In a more somber note, a court has heard the harrowing case of a 92-year-old man who died after being brutally attacked in his garden. The victim was reportedly beaten unconscious, doused in fuel, and then set on fire, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and crime in communities.
Finally, as tensions continue to rise, the Kremlin has made it clear that it aims to expel all Ukrainian troops from Russian territory ahead of this week’s Red Square parade. This statement underscores the ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions in the region.
As the day unfolded, the intertwining stories of history, family, and current events painted a complex picture of life in 2025, reminding us of the legacies we inherit and the challenges we face.
