The popular racist and BNP spokesperson, Nick Griffin, is one of a number of celebrities to appear on BBC's genealogical documentary series Who Do You Think You Are? The announcement has caused controversy with Griffin's followers and regular viewers, ahead of the latest series of the show.Griffin was approached late last year to appear on the show. The BBC have issued a statement defending the move, saying "It's important to feature a range of people on the show from all walks of life." It was later added that, "the views of a guest on the show are not important, what is of interest to our viewers is their ancestry."
However, it is Griffin's ancestry that has caused the outcry. Following one branch of his family tree back two generations, Griffin is directly related to the illegitimate child of a Polish Muslim. The BNP have issued a statement on behalf of Griffin, who has refused to comment, calling the findings "unfounded allegations" and "attempts to slur and antagonise" the group.
It is understood that the BBC is considering not airing the episode of the show, however no party has confirmed or denied this.
