NewsBeat
11 celebrites who have ties to County Durham
While some were born in the county, others grew up here or developed strong links with the region before going on to find fame.
Here are some of the best-known celebrities with connections to County Durham.
Mark Gatiss
Born in Sedgefield, Mark Gatiss has become one of Britain’s most successful television writers and actors.
He first rose to prominence as a member of cult comedy troupe The League of Gentlemen before going on to co-create the hugely successful BBC drama Sherlock with Steven Moffat.
His long list of credits also includes Doctor Who, Dracula, Game of Thrones and The Crown, cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s leading creative talents.
(Image: PA)
Rowan Atkinson
Few comedians are as instantly recognisable as Rowan Atkinson, who was born in Consett.
Atkinson is best known around the world for creating the iconic character Mr Bean, whose largely silent comedy made him a global star.
He also starred as Edmund Blackadder in the beloved BBC sitcom Blackadder and has enjoyed a lengthy career across television, film and stage productions.
(Image: BBC / PA)
Jeff Stelling
Veteran broadcaster Jeff Stelling remains one of the most popular figures in British sports television.
The Hartlepool-born presenter became a household name through Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, fronting the programme for nearly 30 years before stepping down in 2023.
He has also presented Champions League coverage, hosted Countdown and remains a familiar voice in football broadcasting.
(Image: PA)
Stephen Tompkinson
Middlesbrough-born actor Stephen Tompkinson spent much of his childhood in County Durham and remains closely associated with the North East.
He is known for starring in hit television dramas including DCI Banks, Wild at Heart, Ballykissangel and Drop the Dead Donkey.
Away from television, he has also appeared in films such as Brassed Off and numerous stage productions.
(Image: PA)
Scarlett Moffatt
Her popularity grew further when she won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2016.
Since then, Moffatt has enjoyed a successful television career, presenting a range of entertainment and factual programmes while remaining one of the North East’s best-known TV personalities.
Matt Baker
Matt Baker, who grew up on a farm near Easington, is one of the country’s most recognisable broadcasters.
After becoming a presenter on Blue Peter, he went on to host The One Show alongside Alex Jones and has been a regular face on Countryfile for more than a decade.
In recent years, he has continued to champion rural life and farming communities through television projects produced by his own company.
(Image: Paul Stuart/PA)
Sara Davies
Businesswoman Sara Davies has become one of County Durham’s biggest success stories.
She joined BBC programme Dragon’s Den in 2019 as its youngest-ever female investor and has since become a regular television personality, including a memorable run on Strictly Come Dancing.
(Image: BBC)
Ben Stokes
Although born in Christchurch, New Zealand, England cricket captain Ben Stokes has strong County Durham connections.
He moved to the North East as a child and developed his game through Durham’s cricketing system before progressing to international stardom.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders of his generation, Stokes has played a pivotal role in England’s successes in both Test and one-day cricket.
Alun Armstrong
Actor Alun Armstrong grew up in Annfield Plain and has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than five decades.
The former Royal Shakespeare Company performer has appeared in a huge range of productions, including New Tricks, Oliver Twist, Vanity Fair and Little Dorrit.
His versatility has made him one of the North East’s most respected acting exports.
(Image: PA)
Denise Welch
Although she was born in Tynemouth, actress and television presenter Denise Welch spent much of her childhood in Ebchester, near Consett, giving her strong County Durham connections.
Welch trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts before going on to enjoy a successful acting career spanning more than four decades.
She is best known for playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, a role that earned her widespread recognition, as well as appearances in Waterloo Road.
Away from acting, she became one of the most recognisable panellists on ITV’s Loose Women, where she openly spoke about mental health, addiction and life in the public eye.
Welch is also known as the mother of The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, with the family maintaining strong North East links despite her national television career.
(Image: BBC)
Gina McKee
Peterlee-born Gina McKee is one of County Durham’s most acclaimed actresses.
After beginning her career in television dramas during the late 1980s and early 1990s, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Alison Braithwaite in BBC drama Our Friends in the North.
Her career has since included appearances in major productions such as Notting Hill, Atonement, Phantom Thread, The Borgias and Bodyguard.
Known for her versatility on screen and stage, McKee remains one of the county’s most successful acting exports.
(Image: Ruth Crafer Photography)
County Durham’s star power
County Durham’s list of famous faces stretches far beyond these names.
From television stars and actors to entrepreneurs and sporting heroes, the county continues to produce people who make their mark nationally and internationally.
Whether it is a global comedy icon from Consett, a television favourite from Bishop Auckland or an England cricket captain developed through Durham’s ranks, the region has no shortage of celebrity connections to celebrate.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login