Vicky McClure: My Grandad's War | Preview (ITV1)

In this one-off special, the Trigger Point star wants to understand how a young lad from Nottingham found himself in the Royal Navy and at the centre of a world-changing battle on the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944.

After learning about Ralph's early life, they head to Portsmouth where Ralph shows his granddaughter the ropes aboard one of the last remaining WWII landing craft. Finally, Ralph takes Vicky back to Normandy, to the beach he last visited almost 80 years ago on D-Day.

The candid programme provides viewers with an opportunity to see Vicky as she celebrates her legend of a grandad and pays tribute to the heroes who never came home.

Vicky said: “My Grandad is a real character and I can’t wait for everyone to meet him. He’s a legend in my eyes and what he achieved in the Royal Navy should be celebrated. This programme gave me an opportunity to spend time with him, learn from him and get a real glimpse into the courageous events of the Normandy Landings.”

ITV's Tom Giles said: “This film is a very candid journey with one of the last surviving World War II heroes alongside his granddaughter, who happens to be one of the country's leading actors. Vicky will guide ITV viewers through this very touching and poignant special, helping us understand the magnitude of one of the most dangerous expeditions of the war - the Normandy Landing.”

North One CEO Neil Duncanson, said: “Working with BYO has been superb. And it’s the first All3Media acquisition working alongside its newest partner. Jonny and I met to talk about a drama project and the conversation drifted into Vicky’s amazing Grandad – an extraordinary tale I didn’t know – and the rest was pretty straightforward!”

Vicky McClure: My Grandad's War airs Monday 5th June at 9pm on ITV1.