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Brighton is known for its creative and artistic atmosphere, so it is no surprise that famous people are drawn to the city-by-the-sea.
Over the years the city has been home to artists, authors, musicians, vloggers and a Prince. Below we highlight some of Brighton resident’s past and present:
The DJ made his name on the Brighton club scene and cemented his superstar status with his Big Beach Boutique gigs. Norman Cook is a fantastic ambassador for the city, frequently headlining Brighton Pride and being a proud supporter of Brighton & Hove Albion football club. Norman Cook is also one of the owners of the family friendly Big Beach Café at Hove Lagoon.
Peter James is a UK No. 1 bestselling author, known for writing crime and thriller novels, and the creator of the much-loved Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. The novels are all based in Brighton and Peter James works closely with the Sussex Police department while researching his novels.
Filming began in Brighton in September 2020 for a brand-new ITV crime drama, adapted from the bestselling Roy Grace novels.
The English Vlogger started a YouTube channel in 2009 which went on to amass over 11 million subscribers! Zoella later went on to launch a beauty and homeware brand and she signed a book deal with penguin books. Zoella moved to Brighton in 2014 and lives in the city with her blogger boyfriend Alfie.
The Australian musician, songwriter, author, actor and screenwriter lived in Brighton for many years. The Guardian observed that his 2014 film 20,000 Days on Earth was: "...a cinematic portrait of Brighton"
The British former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 1998, is also known as the self-proclaimed 'Lord of the Manor of Brighton' having bought the title at an auction. Chris Eubank filmed a spoof trailer for 'Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank' at the YHA Brighton - the joke originated from the TV show I'm Alan Partridge staring Steve Coogan - another Brighton & Hove resident.
English musician, David Gilmour who was a member of rock band Pink Floyd has been building an extravagant family home designed to echo the original building which was a 19th century Turkish bathhouse. The site is situated on Hove Seafront where he’ll be able to enjoy beautiful Sea views and the colourful Hove Beach Huts.
Oscar-Winning Actress Cate Blanchett moved to Brighton when she wanted to start a family and lived in the city for 10 years. The actress loved Brighton and really missed it when she returned to Australia, she was quoted as saying that she even missed the rain!
The actor and comedian has lived in Brighton & Hove for several years and is pictured here enjoying the beach with local designer Gresham Blake. Gresham has several other celebrity fans including Ray Winstone, Norman Cook, Eddie Izzard and Zoe Lyons.
The comedic stage and screen actress lived in Brighton for many years and owned the Clarges Hotel. A blue plaque to the popular star was unveiled by Roy Hudd.
The author of popular classics including The Jungle Book and the Just So stories as well as poems such as If... lived in the picturesque village of Rottingdean just on the outskirts of Brighton & Hove.
The celebrated nineteenth century author wrote some of his classic novels including Dombey & Son and Bleak House whilst staying at the Bedford Hotel which is now the Holiday Inn Brighton-Seafront.
The Prince Regent (later George IV) is a key figure in Brighton's history as he gave us the fabulous Royal Pavilion. The Prince Regent put Brighton on the map as a place to come to escape the humdrum of everyday life and where else in England could you get away with building an Indian palace!
Whilst he doesn't live in Brighton we've decided to give Harry Styles an honourary mention and he seems to be a fan of the area! In 2020 the singer & actor made headlines with his Vogue cover shoot which was shot at the nearby Seven Sisters Country Park. Plus in 2021 it was annouced that Harry Styles will star in a film adaptation of Bethan Robert's My Policeman set in Brighton during the 1950s.
While walking around Brighton & Hove look out for the commemorative Blue Plaques marking notable residents and landmark buildings. There are plaques for Charles Dickens; Dora Bryan; Terence Rattigan and the site of the first Body Shop.
If you would like to nominate a Blue Plaque then please contact the chair of the Brighton & Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel - Roger Amerena: roger.amerena@btinternet.com
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