Line of Duty and Trigger Point star Vicky McClure will return to our screens in a documentary with her grandad Ralph to relive one of the most momentous chapters of World War II.
The ITV show, titled Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War, will see the actress explore her grandfather’s royal navy history.
Ralph McClure is a World War II hero and the 97-year-old Royal Navy veteran helped to invade France during the Normandy Landings - one of the most pivotal and dangerous operations in wartime Britain.
In the one-off episode, Vicky traces her Grandad’s extraordinary story through conversations at home in Nottingham and then by heading back to Normandy shore to retrace his very personal journey.
Vicky’s Grandad will be reunited with his surviving friends from the war and Ralph will show her the ropes aboard the last remaining WWII landing craft – one of the ships that helped win the war.
The documentary will give viewers a rare opportunity to see Vicky behind the scenes as she celebrates her ‘legend’ of a Grandad and pays tribute to one of our war heroes.
Vicky said: “My Grandad is a real character and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. He’s a legend in my eyes and what he achieved in the Royal Navy should be celebrated. This programme gave me an opportunity to spend time with him, learn from him and get a real glimpse into the courageous events of the Normandy Landings.”
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Vicky McClure: My Grandad's War will air on Monday, June 5 at 9pm on ITV1.
The documentary is commissioned for ITV by Tom Giles, ITV Controller of Current Affairs, who said: “This film is a very candid journey with one of the last surviving World War II heroes alongside his granddaughter, who happens to be one of the country's leading actors. Vicky will guide ITV viewers through this very touching and poignant special, helping us understand the magnitude of one of the most dangerous expeditions of the war - the Normandy Landing.”
Vicky McClure: My Grandad’s War is produced by All3Media Group’s North One, from their Birmingham studios, and Build Your Own Films, Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen’s production company, which partnered with the Group earlier this year.
A very very special one hour coming your way on @ITV
— Vicky McClure (@Vicky_McClure) September 2, 2022
‘My Grandad’s War’ 🌺https://t.co/uJYUZKjvMZ pic.twitter.com/158icf7ddV
North One CEO Neil Duncanson, said: “Working with BYO has been superb. And it’s the first All3Media acquisition working alongside its newest partner. Jonny and I met to talk about a drama project and the conversation drifted into Vicky’s amazing Grandad – an extraordinary tale I didn’t know – and the rest was pretty straightforward!”
BYO co-founder Jonny Owen, said: “I’m delighted BYO has partnered with North One to make an important documentary about this incredible story. A generation of people who fought for our freedom are leaving us now and it's essential we understand their sacrifice and how important it was so that we can live the lives we live today.
“Vicky’s Grandad Ralph has become a dear friend and I’ve listened to him for hours telling me how as a teenager he was part of one of the most important moments in human history. I’m so glad we can now share this with the world.”
Vicky McClure: My Grandad's War will air on Monday, June 5 at 9pm on ITV1.
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