Everyone can name one or two celebrities with connections to south Essex, and the chances are they’d be the same names: Depeche Mode, Denise Van Outen and Mrs Hinch.
But what about some of south Essex’s former, and current, residents?
From Hollywood royalty to reality TV icons, we’ve rounded up some celebs you might not have known had south Essex links:
Rachel Riley
Mathematician and TV brainbox, Rachel Riley, became a household name when she joined TV’s Countdown in 2009 – aged just 22.
The star was born in Rochford and spent much of her childhood in Thorpe Bay, attending Southend High School for Girls and later, the University of Oxford.
Riley later went on to feature in the 2013 series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was voted out in week six and found love with professional dancer, Pasha Kovalev, in the process.
Ashley Banjo
Although born in East London, dancer, choreographer and TV personality, Ashley Banjo moved to Wickford as a child and spent his early years in the area.
The talented Diversity leader attended St. John’s School in Billericay where he pursued a passion for dance and was the school’s Head Boy.
Banjo became a household name when Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. He’s not the only member of the group to hail from south Essex, with Perri Kiely growing up in nearby South Ockendon.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel was born in Southend in 1989 and spent her childhood in the seaside city. She attended both St Hilda's School, and Westcliff High School for Girls during her time in Southend.
After leaving the city, Emmanuel went on to star in wildly popular projects such as Game of Thrones, Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious.
In previous interviews, the actress has shared fond memories of her childhood in Southend.
Dame Helen Mirren
Another star who moved to south Essex as a youngster and grew up in the region is Dame Helen Mirren.
Mirren attended Hamlet Court primary school in Westcliff and had her first lead role in a school production of Hansel and Gretel. She later moved to St Bernard's High School for Girls in Southend, where she continued to act in school productions.
Mirren’s early experiences on the stages of south Essex set up her for huge success. Her breakthrough role came in the 1984 film Cal, for which she received critical acclaim. Her career reached new heights in 2006 when she starred in The Queen, portraying Queen Elizabeth II.
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