We all love a bit of celeb-spotting right? Well, here in Devon, we’re certainly not short of opportunities to sneak a peek at the rich and famous. But who are the most famous people in Devon?
Here at DevonLive.com, after much debate, we’ve put together a list of 50 famous men and women with connections to the county.
Ranging from mega-musicians to world-travellers to renowned artists and authors, here in Devon we’ve got a whole host of celebrities you can feast your eyes on (providing they are still with us of course)!
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So, in no particular order, here they are:
1. Chris Martin
Born in Whitestone near Exeter, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has got to be one of the most famous Devonians.
Selling more than 80 million records worldwide, Coldplay have enjoyed great success over the years, their continuing popularity evidenced in their fourth headline appearance last year at Glastonbury Festival.
As well as producing a number of chart-topping collaborations with artists such as Rihanna, Chainsmokers and Big Sean, Chris has also appeared on Debrett’s 2017 list of most influential people in the UK.
2. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
New-time mum Rosie Huntington-Whitely is arguably one of the most beautiful women around – Jason Statham thought so too!
Born in Plymouth, the model/actress is best known for her work with retailers such as Victoria’s Secret, Burberry and M&S as well as her starring roles in Transformers and Mad Max: Fury Road.
3. Sir Francis Drake
Born in Tavistock in 1540, Sir Francis Drake was truly the intrepid explorer.
He is most famously known for carrying out the second circumnavigation of the world in a single expedition and was awarded a knighthood in 1581 by Elizabeth I.
4. Jennifer Saunders
Livening up the idyllic Devon countryside, Absolutely Fabulous star Jennifer Saunders is the newest resident to the market town of Chagford.
Along with her husband Adrian Edmondson and their three daughters, Jennifer has swapped her bustling London life for a more rural setting filled with fresh air, farm animals and wellies – can you imagine Edina’s disgust?!
5. Damien Hirst
The world’s richest living artist, Damien Hirst, can often be seen visiting his house in the seaside town of Combe Martin.
As well as owning a home in the North Devon area, the world-renowned artist has also opened a gallery and an accompanying restaurant in Ilfracombe, as well as donating the stunning Verity statue to the town on a 20-year-lease – what a guy!
6. Matt Bellamy
Another of Devon’s talented musicians, Matt Bellamy hails from Teignmouth and is the lead vocalist, guitarist and pianist of the multi-award-winning rock band Muse.
As well as winning several prestigious awards including two Grammy’s, two Brit Awards and five MTV Europe Music Awards, the band have sold 20 million albums worldwide - not bad for a bunch of Devonshire dumplings!
7. Tommy Langford
British Middleweight Boxing Champion Tommy Langford has certainly made Devon proud!
Born in Barnstaple, the young athlete has risen to fame in the world of sports, however, his Devonian roots are still very much part of his persona and during interviews, he often reminisces about the fond memories he holds as child growing up in Bideford.
8. Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in English literature and she was born right here in little old Devon, more specifically, Torquay.
The renowned crime novelist, short story writer and playwright is a legend in the world of literature and is best known for the creation her fictional detective characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
In1971, she was awarded the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her literary contributions.
9. Lily Cole
Supermodel, entrepreneur and business-owner – Lily Cole really has got it all!
The Torquay-born red-head is most famously known for her modelling work with fashion brands including Alexandra McQueen, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Jean Paul Gaultier, however, she has also pursued a number of other ventures.
Not only did the 29-year-old supermodel gradate from King’s College, Cambridge with a double first in history of art but she is also the founder of socially networked gift economy website impossible.com as well as a budding actress.
10. Dan Gosling
Brixham-born Dan Gosling is another of Devon’s finest sportsmen.
Making his professional debut as a footballer back in 2006 aged 16, Dan has since gained a huge amount of experience on the pitch playing for a string of successful clubs including Plymouth Argyle, Everton, Newcastle United and Bournemouth.
Dan has recently singed a four-year deal to secure a long-term future with Bournemouth FC, but will always be a Devon lad at heart!
11. Robert Falcon Scott
Captain Robert Falcon Scott was born in Plymouth in 1868 but travelled far and wide to discover much of the Antarctic as we know it today.
Leading two expeditions, Captain Scott was a real trailblazer and on his first voyage, the Discovery Expedition, unveiled the Polar (Antarctic) Plateau, on which the South Pole is located.
The second and ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition cost Scott his life but was not unsuccessful as during this journey, Scott and his party made the groundbreaking discovery of plant fossils, proving that Antarctica had not always stood as a separate continent.
12. JK Rowling
OK, she’s not actually from Devon, but JK Rowling - one of the 21 centuries literary champions - took much of her inspiration for the Harry Potter books from Exeter would you believe!
As a student at the University of Exeter, the author explored the city and incorporated much of its charm into her work – if you’ve ever visited the bustling back alley of Gandy Street, you’ll immediately see it’s resemblance to Diagon Alley.
13. Lauren Pope
You may not believe it but Lauren Pope is in fact a Devonshire dumpling!
The glamour model/reality TV star is best known for her appearance in the popular reality TV show The Only Way is Essex, however, she was born and bred in the seaside town of Torquay.
In recent years, alongside her modelling and acting careers, Lauren has also established herself as one of London’s top DJs and has made several guest appearances around the globe in some of the worlds most popular party destinations including Ibiza and Majorca.
14. Tom Daley
Who doesn’t love Tom Daley and his cheeky grin?
Another of Devon’s most successful sportsmen, Plymouth-born Tom has shot to stardom as a budding Olympian, winning a succession of medals in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
As well as his global sporting achievements, Tom has also won numerous awards including BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2010, Best Young Sports Star at the Teen Awards in 2011 and Man of the Year at the Attitude Awards in 2014.
15. Miranda Hart
One of Britain’s best comediennes, Miranda Hart finds her Devonian roots in Torquay where she was born and descends from a highly aristocratic background, although she hates to admit it!
As well as starring in a number of comedy shows including Hyperdrive and Not Going Out, Miranda is also famous for her role in her semi-autobiographical BBC sitcom Miranda , which won 4 British Comedy Awards.
16. Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh was yet another famous explorer from the South West.
Born in East Budleigh, Raleigh led a number of expeditions and was heavily involved in the English colonisation of North America.
As a result of his popularity with Queen Elizabeth, he was knighted in 1585 but was later punished by her for secretly marrying one her ladies-in-waiting – the scandal!
17. Katie Hopkins
This fiery TV personality is from Barnstaple.
Katie, who is best known for her robust views and gutsy newspaper columns, was raised in Bideford along with her older sister and attended a private convent school in the area from the age of 3 to 16.
18. Luke Friend
Luke has got to be one of the nicest contestants to ever appear on the X-Factor.
This longhaired hero from Teignmouth certainly stole the nations hearts after winning Teenstar in 2013 and later becoming a finalist on the tenth series of the ITV hit show.
Since then, Luke has released a top 40 single, completed a UK tour and signed a contract with music label BMG.
19. Peter Cook
Once named ‘the father of modern satire’ by The Guardian in 2005, Peter Cook is one of the most legendary comedians in Britain.
Torquay-born, Peter was regarded as one of the leading comedians in the era of British satire in the 1960s. He enjoyed a prosperous TV career, appeared in a variety of films and partially funded the popular satirical magazine Private Eye.
He was also an avid supporter of Torquay United and once chaired the club’s junior supporters’ club.
20. Ben Howard
One of the finest folk musicians of the era is Bantham boy Ben Howard.
At the age of eight, Ben moved to Totnes and took up several pastimes including surfing, singing and song writing, the latter two eventually earning him a chart topping album and a Brit Award in 2013.
After attending the King Edward VI Community College and Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, he studied Journalism at the University College Falmouth but chose to pursue a musical career.
21. Sue Barker
Another well-known sports personality, Sue Barker was born in Paignton.
Aged 10 and attending a local convent school, she was picked as one of two girls chosen to receive professional tennis coaching from Arthur Roberts, the coach of three Grand Slam title winner Angela Mortimer.
After a successful career as one of Britain’s best female tennis players, Sue has gone on to become a top BBC sports presenter – you can always catch her nattering to a sports star!
22. Charles Kingsley
Born in Holne, Charles Kingsley was a man of many talents – he was a broad church priest of the Church of England, a university professor, social reformer, historian and novelist.
His historical novel Westward Ho! was set in Bideford and is based upon England’s triumphs over Spain in the Elizabethan era, telling the tale of brave sailor Amyas Preston and his companions.
23. Michael Caines
Forget Gordon Ramsey, we’ve got our very own leading chef – the brilliant Michael Caines!
Devon born and bred, Michael is one of Britain’s most successful contemporary chefs and lives near Exeter with his partner and their daughter.
As well as running The Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, following his own adoptive roots, Michael is also a patron of ‘Families for Children Trust’, a voluntary adoption agency providing services across Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.
24. Kirstie Allsopp
Homemaking Queen Kirstie Allsopp is another Devon resident who swapped London life for peaceful country living.
Best known for presenting a range of property shows on Channel 4 including Location, Location, Location, Relocation, Relocation and Location Revisited , Kirstie has now made a home for herself and her family in the village of Broadhembury.
Visitors to the area can sample her homely creativity for themselves by staying at her ‘Homemade Home’ also in North Devon.
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25. George Friend
‘Gorgeous George’ as he’s known is one of the nicest guys in Football.
Hailing from Barnstaple, George began his career playing for then non-League Exeter City but soon branched out and is now a left back for Middlesbrough.
His football talents were clear from the start and he became the youngest Captain ever in Exeter’s history. However, George is still very much a home boy and has since returned to the county to inspire Devon’s aspiring young footballers.
26. Georgia Toffolo
‘Toff’ was born in Torquay and is best known for her appearance on the BAFTA award-winning channel 4 reality series Made in Chelsea .
Her lavish lifestyle and wild partying have previously been the subject of several scathing headlines, however, Georgia has also been praised for throwing some great bashes, especially for her mum’s 50!
27. Guy Burgess
Devon’s very own James Bond, Guy Burgess was born in Devonport and became one of the most notorious British spies of the Cold War period.
In his younger years, he attended the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and later received a prestigious education at Eton and Cambridge.
He then became part of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring but was later exposed as a Soviet Spy.
28. Will Young
Pop Idol 2002 winner Will Young was another graduate from the University of Exeter.
After passing his A-Levels, Will came to Exeter to study Politics and enjoyed being a student in the city for several years. However, he later pursued a career in music and went on to release several number one singles including Evergreen, Light My Fire and Leave Right Now .
Alongside his musical career, Will has also taken up acting and has starred in several films and theatre performances.
29. Emrhys Cooper
Totnes actor Emrhys Cooper has done incredibly well for himself – not only did he bag himself the lead role in the Emmy nominated drama series Vanity but he also starred alongside the gorgeous Denise Richards!
As well as achieving a career in television, Emrhys has also featured in several West End musicals and worked as a dancer for a variety of musical superstars including Madonna, Christina Aguilera and the Pussycat Dolls.
He was also the first Western actor to star in a Bhuntanese film and achieved an award for outstanding performance from a leading actor at the IndieFest film festival for his role in Kushuthara.
30. Josh Widdicombe
Although he was born in Hammersmith, London, Josh was raised in Haytor Vale and attended South Dartmoor Community College.
After studying linguistics at the University of Manchester, Josh has gone on to enjoy a thriving comedy career, appearing on several popular shows including Mock the Week, QI, Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News For You.
As well as writing and starring in his own sitcom ‘JOSH’, he is also a co-presenter on the popular channel 4 show The Last Leg alongside Adam Hills and Alex Brooker.
31. Seth Lakeman
Another of Devon’s musical talents, Seth Lakeman is originally from the village of Buckland Monochorum in West Devon.
Along with his brothers, Seth has been musical from a young age and in 1994, the three brothers released their debut album Three Piece Suite .
Since then, Seth has also enjoyed a solo career, being nominated for a Mercury Music Prize in 2005 and performing at several festivals across the UK including Glastonbury Festival, V Festival and Beautiful Days.
32. Charles Courtenay
As the Earl of Devon, Charles does indeed live the lavish country lifestyle – he even has a castle!
A childhood friend of Chris Martin, Charles went to pre-school in Exeter and has remained in Devon for most of his life, apart from a 10 year period which he spent in California working as a barrister.
In 2014, he moved back home and now lives with his wife, former Baywatch star Allison Langer and two children Joscelyn and Jack.
33. Thom Yorke
The Radiohead frontman went to university in Exeter and apparently, even wrote the lyrics to one of the band’s most famous songs, Creep, in the Exeter Lemon Grove loos!
The air freshener must have been pretty good though as the band went on to sell over 30 million albums and are now known as one of the most influential rock bands in British history.
Earlier this year, Thom and his bandmates headlined Glastonbury Festival and as always, wowed the roaring crowd.
34. Matthew Goode
One of the most up and coming stars of the decade, Exeter-born Matthew has secured successful roles in both television and film.
As well a featuring in a number of films including The Lookout , A Single Man, Cemetery Junction and The Imitation Game , Matthew is also known for his role in popular historical drama Downton Abbey in which he plays Henry Talbot.
Matthew was also recently nominated for Best Actor in a Miniseries or a Television Film at the Satellite Awards for his performance in critically acclaimed British drama Dancing on the Edge.
35. Joss Stone
Although she was born in Dover, Joss Stone moved to Ashill, a village near Cullompton, as a teenager.
She made her singing debut appearing at Uffculme Comprehensive School and went on to win the BBC talent show, Star For a Night, in 2007.
Subsequently, she has enjoyed a successful career as a recording artist, being nominated for and winning many awards, including British Female Solo Artist at the Brit Awards in 2005 and a Grammy Award in 2007.
36. Garry Monk
Garry Monk is a professional football manager who began his career as a trainee with Torquay United after growing up in the town.
He completed his football apprenticeship at Southampton but returned to Torquay in 1998 and 2000 playing for the first team.
He has since managed both Premiership and Championship clubs including Swansea City and Leeds United and is currently working on his aim to achieve promotion to the premiere league with Middlesbrough.
37. Damon Albarn
Whilst the hugely successful frontman of Blur and co-founder of the virtual band Gorillaz grew up in London, he has owned a farm in Devon for nearly 20 years.
Damon enjoyed huge success in the 90s with hits such as Park Life and has influenced British music culture ever since, being awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to music.
His farm in Devon remains a creative retreat for his family, where his sister Jessica, a successful artist, regularly visits for inspiration.
38. Dom Greensmith
The drummer for the alternative rock band Reef was living in Barnstaple in 1993 when the other three members of the band were looking for a fourth.
In subsequent years, Reef’s popularity grew and they spent much time touring with the likes of Paul Weller and The Rolling Stones.
Alongside his musical career, Dom has also achieved success writing film scores, winning a Best Score Award at the New York City International Film Festival.
39. Serge Pizzorno
Serge was born in Newton Abbot for one reason; his mother ‘liked’ the hospital.
As a young boy, Serge stated that his aim in life was to be as successful as possible, with early intentions of a career in football.
However, he is best known as songwriter and vocalist for the rock band Kasabian who have won several awards, including Best British Group at the Brit Awards in 2010.
40. Noel Edmonds
It’s a well-known fact that much loved TV host Noel Edmonds was a Devon resident for many years.
From his early years on Radio 1 and Multi-Coloured Swap Shop to his hugely successful stint as presenter of the channel 4 show Deal or No Deal, Noel has been a family TV favourite since 1969.
As a Devon resident he campaigned against wind farms and to help farmers affected by the Foot & Mouth epidemic as a result of his concern of the effect of these issues on the county
41. Dean Moxey
Dean Moxey is ‘happy as Larry’ to be back playing football for Exeter City FC.
The 31 year old, who was born in Exeter, first played for the city in 2003 racking up around 200 games for the club, before moving on to both Championship and Premiere League teams.
42. Charlie Watts
Legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts now resides in rural Devon, where he runs an Arabian horse stud farm with his wife – a far cry from his heavy days a rock star in the 1960s.
As well as drumming for the band, his early training as a graphic designer led to his contribution on the group’s various record sleeves.
Throughout his career, Charlie’s personal life always appeared quieter compared to his rock and roll peers so it is no surprise that he has chosen a peaceful life in the idyllic Devon countryside.
43. Chris Read
Paignton-born cricketer Chris Read is yet another sporting talent to emerge from the county.
Chris is wicket-keeper and captain of Nottinghamshire Country Cricket Club and has also played for his county on numerous occasions.
He began his career playing for Devon in 1995 at the age of 16, before moving to Gloucestershire and following a hugely successful career that still continues today.
44. Tristan Evans
Exeter- born and bred Tristan is drummer, vocalist and producer with the British pop rock band The Vamps.
He began to play the drums when he was just 7 years old and was awarded Young Drummer of the Year in 2010, but can also play the guitar and piano.
The band first gained recognition in 2012 and have since supported artists such as McFly, Little Mix and Demi Lovato (who Tristan describes as ‘a godess’!).
45. Charles Dickens
Dickens described Exeter as ‘ the most beautiful city in this most beautiful of English counties’.
In fact, although not common knowledge, Devon played an important part in the early life of this literary colossus.
His parents resided at Alphington and this is where Dickens began penning Nicholas Nickleby. It is believed that several people he encountered in the county inspired some of the quirky characters in his novels.
46. John Hawkins
Born in Plymouth to a prominent family, Admiral Sir John Hawkins was a navel commander, merchant, navigator, ship-builder and slave trader in the 16 century.
Cousin of the aforementioned Sir Francis Drake, Hawkins was chief architect of the Elizabethan Navy. He served as vice admiral in the battle that defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Although much of his life was spent in Devon, he died and was buried at sea off the coast of South America.
47. Bradley James
Successful BBC drama Merlin saw this Devon-boy in a lead role playing Arthur Pendragon for a total of 65 episodes between 2008 and 2012.
Born at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, he has gone on to appear in Homeland and iZombie since his breakthrough role in the BBC series.
He is also a keen sportsman who could have been a professional football player had he not chosen a career in acting but still regularly participates in charity football matches.
48. Liam Tancock
Affectionately known as ‘The Tank’, Liam Tancock is another Devon born athlete to make his mark on the sporting world.
Born in Exeter, Liam played for the Exeter Chiefs until he was 13 when his coach persuaded him to pursue a career in swimming over rugby.
Liam competed in the 2012 London Olympics and has achieved bronze and gold medals in Commonwealth games.
Keeping his roots close to his heart, he is a keen supporter of Exeter City Football Club and Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
49. Lizzie Kelly
Devon is full of horse lovers but Lizzie Kelly has trumped them all making history at age of 22 when she became the first woman to win a Grade One jumps race in Britain.
This George Nympton jockey not only possesses the physical agility for this boisterous sport but she also has a determined attitude and is not afraid to share her views, often making her in demand as a pundit on BBC radio and Channel 4.
50. Tony Butler
Tony is best known for his work with the Scottish rock band Big Country but now lives a quieter life in the Devon countryside, although his love of music has never faded.
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