Danny Dyer will discover he is related to a saint on his new series.
The ‘EastEnders’ actor was shocked to find out he was related to former kings of England, King Edward III and William The Conqueror, during a 2016 appearance on ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, and he will be left stunned again on new programme ‘Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family’ when he finds out his 26th great grandfather was King Louis IX was canonised by the Pope as Saint Louis, 27 years after his death.
On the show, which begins on January 23, medieval historian Dr Emily Guerry tells Danny: "There’s actually one more thing I need to tell you about Louis IX.
"He wasn’t just a king … he was a saint. Twenty-seven years after his death, the Pope canonised him Saint Louis.
"There are very few saints that aren’t virgins or martyrs, so to have the blood of a saint in your blood is an extraordinary thing."
Danny replies: "It is isn’t it? It’s just so much to take in. I’m related to a saint."
Emily tells him: "That blood is sacred blood. It works miracles in the church."
Danny says: "And I’ve got it coursing through my veins."
In the programme, the ‘Football Factory’ star meets Emily in Pigalle to find out more about Louis – who was also known as Saint Louis of France and came to the throne in 1226 – and he pays tribute to his 26x great grandfather by walking barefoot through the Paris backstreets while wearing a robe.
Emily says: "The reason Louis IX dressed in this humble manner was to honour his reception of the relic of the crown of thorns of Christ himself, which he was meant to have worn before his crucifixion.
"He led this jubilant procession through the city of Paris and the people marvelled at the appearance of their king, as he looked like a monk or friar."
Danny adds: "I can be told all sorts of information but to actually walk in King Louis IX’s footsteps, to think that he did this as a King … I admire him because he does exactly as he preaches and is showing everybody.
"He walked for six miles barefoot, in pain, and that you’ve got to respect. Considering the money and power he had and the life he could have lived, I think it’s very brave. Bless him."
Danny Dyer related to a saint
