MEL C was left absolutely gobsmacked as she uncovered her family’s criminal history.
The former Spice Girls star wanted to know more about her ancestors as she made an appearance on ‘Who Do You Think You Are?‘.
Melanie, 50, is one of a number of stars to take part in the new series of the long-running BBC show.
Other names who will appear include Vicky McClure, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, and former Towie star Gemma Collins.
But the pop singer was left absolutely stunned after the latest instalment of the programme.
As she delved into her Irish roots, she encountered a huge surprise with her four times great grandfather.
It turned out that her ancestor Thomas Keefe was charged in 1860 for embezzlement.
He climbed the ladder of society in Bristol at the time, as he became an insurance manager.
This was from humble roots as he was made an orphan, but he later fell foul of the law.
He was accused of embezzling £2 and eleven shillings, the equivalent of £200 in today’s currency.
Insurance historian James Kneal told the singer: “Insurance was big back then and companies were looking for people to sell home insurance to ordinary people, and he was a baker so he knew a lot of people, so he worked his way up to manager.”
Mel responded with intrigue as she remarked: “I’ve been finding out about my four times great grandfather.
“I think 1858 we picked him up here in Bristol and he is working in insurance but seven years before he was a baker.”
The former Jesus Christ Superstar performer was then handed an official document.
“So we’ve got the Bristol Daily Post and this is July 1860. Bristol Police Court, eek ok'”, she exclaimed.
Reading on, she added: “Ohhhh Mr Keefe charged with embezzlement. No.
Who is on Who Do You Think You Are?
The 2024 cast features a variety of showbiz stars.
- Episode 1 – Vicky McClure
- Episode 2 – Paddy McGuinness
- Episode 3 – Mel C
- Episode 4 – Rose Ayling-Ellis
- Episode 5 – Jessica Ennis-Hill
- Episode 6 – Gemma Collins
- Episode 7 – Olly Murs
“Mr Thomas Daniel Keefe, of three Clifton-place, Stapleton Road was brought up on a warrant, charged with having embezzled £2 eleven shillings.”
After she got “to the bottom” of the story, she eventually discovered that the charges against her relative had been dropped.
It emerged that he was innocent all along, but he was forced to relocate and embark on a whole new career.
He changed his surname to O’Keef and he became well known for his skills in public speaking as he carved out a new path in politics.
Who Do You Think You Are is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.