Famous People

When you think about the famous faces of Essex, do the cast of reality TV show ‘The Only Way is Essex’ (TOWIE) come to the forefront of your mind? 

Aside from the likes of TOWIE cast members such as Gemma Collins, Joey Essex, Amy Childs and Mark Wright, Essex has produced a number of other talented and well-known personalities in TV, film, music, comedy, writing, cooking and more. 

Let’s meet some of them…

Dermot O’Leary – much loved TV presenter, Dermot was born and raised in Colchester, Essex and worked as a DJ for Radio Essex before going on to present TV shows including ‘The X Factor’.

Rachel Riley – Who said you can’t have brains and beauty? Rachel Riley, ‘Countdown’s’ maths genius, was born and raised in Southend-On-Sea. She also competed in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in 2013.

Noel Edmonds – TV presenter, Noel, was born in Ilford, Essex and went to school in Brentwood. He has had a successful career, spanning over 50 years, as an executive producer and presenter. More recently, he hosted 'Deal or No Deal.'

Deborah Meaden – The multi-million pound ‘dragon’, Deborah Meaden, moved to Brightlingsea, Essex when she was a child. She is well known for staring in the TV show, ‘Dragon’s Den’.

Ben Shephard – TV presenter and journalist, Ben, was born in Epping and went to school in Chigwell, Essex. He currently hosts ‘Good Morning Britain’ on ITV. 

Richard Madeley - One half of Richard and Judy, he is a journalist, writer and TV presenteer. He is most well known for hosting 'This Morning' and 'Richard and Judy' alongside his wife.

Richard Osman – Known for his role on the TV show ‘Pointless’, Richard was born in Billericay, Essex.

Stacey Solomon – Born in Dagenham and currently living in Essex with her partner, Joe Swash, Stacey became famous after finishing third in ‘The X Factor’ and then winning ‘I’m a Celebrity’ as Queen of the Jungle. 

Rylan Clarke-Neal – Rylan grew up in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex and rose to fame on ‘The X Factor’. Rylan’s vibrant personality has since landed him TV presenting roles, including ‘This Morning’ and ‘The Xtra Factor’. He also won ‘Celebrity Big Brother’. More recently, Rylan presents ‘You Are What You Wear’. 

Olly Murs – Cheeky chap Olly Murs came second in the sixth series of ‘The X Factor’ and has had a string of successful hit singles and six albums. He was born and bred in Witham, Essex.

Jessie J – Successful singer, Jessie J, was born and raised in Ilford, Essex and often refers to her roots as an Essex girl. Aside from her singing, she was a coach on TV show ‘The Voice’ for two series.

Pixie Lott – Known for her music, Pixie had a successful carer as a pop star and now appears as a coach on the TV series ‘The Voice Kids’. She moved to Brentwood, Essex when she was 13 years old.

Damon Albarn (Blur) – Raised in Colchester, the singer, songwriter, producer and composer’s eclectic musical style and observational lyrics have made him one of the UK’s most influential and consistently interesting musicians. The singer with Blur and Gorillaz, other projects include The Good, The Bad & The Queen, Africa Express, as well as his Mercury Award-nominated debut solo album Everyday Robots (2014).

Rochelle Humes, The Saturdays – singer and presenter, Rochelle, was born and raised in Essex. She first appeared in the band S Club Juniors, before joining the girlband The Saturday’s. She is married to JLS star, Marvin Humes. 

Jamiroquai – This band has sold over 11 million albums – and it all started in Colchester, Essex.

Prodigy – They were formed in Braintree, Essex is the early 1990’s and their single ‘Firestarter’ achieved number 1 in seven European countries. 

Jamie Oliver – ‘The Naked Chef’ Jamie Oliver was born and raised in Clavering, Essex (near Saffron Walden) and still lives in the area today. He is a successful chef, publishing books, fronting numerous TV cooking shows (some filmed at his Essex home and at the end of Southend Pier!) and has his own chain of ‘Jamie’s Italian’ restaurants.

Russell Kane – Known for being a comedian, writer and actor, Russell was brought up in Essex and still lives there today.

Alan Davies – Stand up comedian, actor who plays the title role of Jonathan Creek, and writer, Alan, was born and raised in Loughton and Chingford, Essex. 

Lee Evans – Lee grew up in Billericay, attending school in the town. He rose to fame as a comedian in the 1990’s.

Dame Maggie Smith – Born in Essex and a successful actress, Dame Maggie is famous for her portrayal of Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films, amongst her vast filmography carer.

Dame Helen Mirren – Another Dame to hail from Essex, Dame Helen grew up in Leigh-On-Sea. 

Denise Van Outen – The actress, singer and presenter was born in Basildon and still lives in Essex today. She was previously married to Essex-born singer Lee Mead.

Rupert Grint – He was born in Harlow, Essex and is recognised globally as Harry Potter’s best friend, Ron Weasley.

Ross Kemp – Famous for his portrayal as one of the Mitchell brothers in ‘Eastenders’, Ross is also an author, presenter and investigative journalist. He was born in Barking, Essex. 

Penny Lancaster – Model, Penny, was born in Chelmsford, Essex and is married to singer, Rod Stewart with whom she currently shares an Essex home.

David Gandy – He is a British fashion model from Billericay, Essex who has modelled globally for big names, such as Hugo Boss and H&M. 

Frank Lampard – Football manager and former footballer for premier league clubs including West Ham and Chelsea, Frank was born in Romford, Essex and attended school in Brentwood. 

Beth Chatto (27.06.23 - 13.05.18) – Beth was born in Good Easter, Essex and lived in the area for many years. Beth was known for creating and designing the Beth Chatto Gardens in Essex. She was also a published author and wrote several gardening books. 

Martina Cole - She was born and raised in Aveley, Essex and her debut novel ‘Dangerous Lady’ caused a sensation when it was published 27 years ago and launched one of the bestselling fiction writers of her generation. She has written 25 novels, of which 15 have been No. 1 bestsellers and total sales stand at over 16 million copies.