BBC TV "WDYTYA?" Series 10 Episode 7 William Roache

[LizzieW]

Oh maybe Zilla didn't leave anything to May because she'd already got her grandfather's money.

[roopat]

I had a friend who was brought up by his aunt in the 30s, he had full contact with his parents and siblings but said it was quite frequent and accepted that in a big family, some children would be brought up by relatives. He was very matter-of-fact about it. I'm not aware that this man's wife, children or grandchildren complained that 'he couldn't show love as he'd been brought up without any' (paraphrasing from last night - re William Roache's mother.) I know that Zillah and Albert didn't have a large family so it isn't the same situation as my friend described but maybe she wasn't maternal? Had post-natal depression? etc. etc. perhaps that's where Mrs Roache got the 'not showing love' attitude from.

I agree with all the criticisms made by other posters! The assumptions are very tiresome and seem to be getting worse in each episode.

[heywood]

Oh maybe Zilla didn't leave anything to May because she'd already got her grandfather's money.

Yes I agree here.
I liked the show. I liked the films and photos of Blackpool and Alton Towers - the crowds!
The assumptions were based on what he had seen and heard as a child. Looking at the documentation, there was some support for this - the 'gentleman', the children being separated; the will with little for Albert. He knew his mother hadn't liked her father and what she blamed it on.
Zillah had no occupation on the censuses shown and I'm not sure but did she not move to Alton Towers until 1920s?  Her children would be adult by that time. Perhaps, she did have problems when they were youngsters - we just don't know.
I tried this morning to look at the various branches and generations of William Roache's family and got tangled up! Mainly because I kept thinking Zillah was his mother. 
I like the concentration on just a couple of people - I think that there would be quite a few glazed expressions if a few people were traced.

[Lydart]

It was different; it was interesting; but somewhat boring.   I hadn't heard the name Zillah before, so at the start wondered if we might see some Jewish ancestry ?   But not.

Last weeks was the best so far.     I'm hoping Celia Imrie will be the best .... we'll see !

[annaS]

It was different; it was interesting; but somewhat boring.   I hadn't heard the name Zillah before, so at the start wondered if we might see some Jewish ancestry ?   

My sister's name is Zillah, and we are C of E.  Apparently when she was born my mother named her and my father said 'is it a name?'.  Such is life!  Anna

[nanny jan]

Maybe they did get the certificate, but it didn't make the final cut?

Perhaps William Roache had some editorial control, and was embarassed by what was found?

Unless you have access to ALL the research notes and documents, you simply don't know what was actually found!

I went to a talk  by Nick Barratt about the making of WDYTYA; the celebrity was not allowed editorial control when he was involved with the programme.

Nanny Jan

[Lydart]

Zillah is a Hebrew girl name. The meaning of the name is `Shadow, Shade or shadow protection`  The name Zillah is mainly used in the bible and in English. 

Zillah (zil'u) , in the Bible, a wife of Lamech.



Thank you, Mr Google !!    But it is a 'jewish' name !!

[california dreamin]

  He also made some interesting remarks about those with ancestors from Norfolk! (No he didn't have Norfolk ancestors  ). 

OK I'll ask. What did he say please

Found it!  You need to start the tape at about 12:51 into the clip.  Thats where he starts to talk about his wdytya experience!   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzA9DeBejq4

[davidft]

Thank you for the link.

Knew I shouldn't have looked  John Bishop and his scandalous slur