Jaylen Tatum
Superstar
For one summer, the Irwin family give up their modern lives and travel back in time to experience 50 years of Black British history, discovering how post-war Caribbean immigration transformed the way we all live.
Starting in 1948 - the year the Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury and discharged its passengers - episode one sees the Irwin family travel through the 1950s and 60s to discover what life was like for arrivals coming to Britain as part of the Windrush generation.
The family is guided by presenter Giles Coren and social historian Emma Dabiri, who introduce them to their new homes as well as the events of the time. Along the way the family experience the food, work and entertainment of first-generation West Indian immigrants making their lives in Brixton.
In 1959 the whole family get a lesson in 1950s steel pan from EastEnders star Rudolph Walker, and in 1962 Dad Weininger gets some fashion tips from 60s singer Kenny Lynch.
In1966 Mum Janice embraces her role as a nurse, at a time when the NHS recruited directly in the West Indies for staff. As the family’s living situation improves over the years they decide to see the 60s out with a Blues Party.
Pictured: Emma Dabiri Giles Coren in the 1948 bedsit
