List of celebrities from or born in Southampton, Hampshire

These actors, musicians and sporting stars are among the most famous faces to have graced our city:

Craig David

Craig David performing during the BBC's Platinum Party at the Palace. Credit: PA Wire/PA Images

The singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and record producer who rose to fame in 1999 grew up on the Holyrood estate.

His father was a local carpenter whilst his mother worked at Superdrug. He attended Bellemoor School and Southampton City College.

With 20 UK Top 40 singles, and seven UK Top 40 albums, he's has also sold over 15,000,000 records worldwide as a solo artist.

Josh O'Connor

Tiktok? https://t.co/4ZNhsO0tBs

— Josh O'Connor (@JoshOConnor15) September 10, 2021

The Crown actor was born in 1990 in Southampton, England, to John, a teacher, and Emily, a midwife.

He has had dozens of roles, including as a young Prince Charles in The Crown and in the ITV Les Miserables miniseries.

Charlie Dimmock

Charlie Dimmock opens new sensory garden at Shakespeare Infant School in Eastleigh. Picture by: Harvey Mills

Charlie Dimmock is an English gardener and television presenter. She was a member of the team on Ground Force, a BBC gardening makeover programme, which aired from 1997 until 2005.

She has since presented numerous shows in the UK and US, including The Joy of Gardening.

She is Southampton-born and a friend of Townhill Residents’ Association.

In 2017 she unveiled a unique garden feature on Broadwater Road in memory of Ivan Nicholls.

Foxes

🌪Sister Ray🌪 is out now -

The story of a night of total liberation and freedom 👽👽👽https://t.co/wcVq0JnSDk pic.twitter.com/8sQOdClG7S

— Foxes (@iamfoxes) September 15, 2021

Real name Louisa Rose Allen, Foxes was born and raised in Southampton.

She grew up in the Swaythling and St Denys areas and has had many chart hits including Youth, Let Go For Tonight and Body Talk.

Foxes is also a model, but shot to stardom in 2012 when her vocals were features on Zedd’s single ‘Clarity’.

The song won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.

Benny Hill

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Alfred Hawthorne "Benny" Hill was a comedian and actor – and also a singer.

He is best remembered for his television programme The Benny Hill Show, which needs no real introduction.

His show proved to be one of the great success stories of television comedy and was among the most-watched programmes in the UK with the audience peaking at more than 21 million in 1971.

He attended Taunton’s School and some may remember seeing him working in Woolworths and as a milkman in the city.

Laura Carmichael

Laura Carmichael attending the Fashion Awards 2019 at the Royal Albert Hall. Credit: PA Features Archive/Press Association Images

Film and television actress Laura Carmichael is known for her performance as Lady Edith Crawley in the ITV and PBS period drama series Downton Abbey.

She was born in Southampton and attended Shirley Junior School. Later, she went to The Mountbatten School and Peter Symonds College in Winchester.

Wayne Bridge

Frankie Bridge and Wayne Bridge attending the National Television Awards 2020 held at the O2 Arena, London. Credit: PA Features Archive/Press Association Images

Retired footballer Wayne Bridge was born in Southampton.

However, he did move at an early age.

The left-back is a graduate of the Southampton Academy where he made his debut in 1998.

Bridge also played for Chelsea, West Ham, Manchester City and Fulham during his Premier League career.

He also made 36 appearances for the England national team between 2002 and 2009.

Luke Shaw

England's Luke Shaw, center, celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Euro 2020 soccer final match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, July 11, 2021. (Andy Rain/Pool Photo via AP).

Also a footballer. Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw was born in Kingston Upon Thames joined the Southampton under-18 team at eight years old and stayed until he was 15.

He later played for senior team.

The football star has gone on to play for the England national team, featuring heavily in Gareth Southgate's Euro 202 team.

Ken Russell

Ken Russell at Southampton Park Hotel - October 1989 001.

The legendary film maker was born on July 3, 1927 in Portswood, Southampton and later lived in the New Forest - most recently in Lymington with his wife Elize - known as Lisi.

He sadly passed away in 2011. As well as influencing cinema through his films, in later life Russell had a more direct approach, working with aspiring young film-makers at both the University of Southampton and Solent University as a guest lecturer, visiting fellow and workshop leader.

As a child Mr Russell developed his love of cinema watching old cinefilms in his garage and at the cinema in Portswood Road.

He also shot a short film in the Daily Echo offices to promote a BAFTA competition.