Paddy McGuinness recently uncovered a surprising connection to U.S. President Joe Biden while exploring his family history on the BBC show *Who Do You Think You Are?* The former *Top Gear* presenter, known for his humor and charm, traced his roots back to Ireland, specifically Ballina in County Mayo. During the show, McGuinness was astonished to learn that his great-great-grandparents, Mark McGuinness and Winifred Malloy, lived near the ancestors of Joe Biden. Biden’s relative, Edward Blewitt, also resided in Ballina, making this an unexpected historical link between the British television star and the American president.
Reflecting on this discovery, McGuinness expressed how much this connection meant to him. He shared that he had always felt somewhat “ignorant” about his heritage but noted a deep-seated “spiritual connection” to County Mayo, even before learning about his ties to Biden. This connection now feels even more significant, as it ties him to a place of personal and historical importance. McGuinness also spoke about his grandfather’s bravery during World War II, revealing that his grandfather was awarded a medal for his courage. He described these revelations as “lovely little surprises,” adding layers of pride and connection to his family’s past.
The experience of uncovering these familial ties and learning more about his heritage has clearly had a profound impact on McGuinness. He acknowledged that these discoveries, particularly the link to Biden, have deepened his sense of identity and belonging to County Mayo, a place that has always felt meaningful to him.
