19 famous faces born -and-raised in Wolverhampton - including those we said goodbye to in 2024

Wolverhampton has been home to some seriously talented stars - from actors and musicians to world-class football players.

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We’ve had a look at the famous faces who were raised in Wolverhampton - whether they are still out there sharing there talent with the world, or whether we have had to say a heartbreaking goodbye.

Many celebrities grew up in our city - which is steeped in history and has its prestigious football club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, of course. ‘Wulfrunians’ are extremely proud of their city.

And many actors, sportspeople and legendary musicians all come from the area. Let's take a look:

1. Liam Payne

Sadly this year, we said goodbye to one of our local greats - Liam Payne - who never forgot his roots despite his worldwide stardom as not only a member of One Direction but also a solo artist.

The 31-year-old, who tragically died after a fall from a hotel balcony back in October, was born at New Cross Hospital in the Heath Town district of the city and was a West Brom fan.

2. Beverley Knight

Beverly Knight performing at the WV1 restaurant at Molineux

Wolverhampton-born Beverley is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest soul singers. She is best known for her hit singles such as “Greatest Day,” “Get Up!”, “Shoulda Woulda Coulda,” and “Come as You Are.”

3. Kevin Rowland

Born in Wolverhampton, Rowland is a British musician and DJ best known for being part of Dexys Midnight Runners and The Killjoys. He is also a noted supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

4. Andy Leek

The Codsall Hive was opened by former Dexy's man Andy Leek.

Andy Leek, a founding member of Dexys Midnight Runners, was also from Wolverhampton. He played a crucial role in defining the sound of 1980s pop-band.

Leek is remembered for his distinctive style that was critical to the success of the Dexys Midnight Runners' debut album ‘Searching for the Young Soul Rebels’ which cemented the band’s place in UK music history.

Tragically, the star passed away earlier this year, aged 66, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

5. Meera Syal

Meera Syal with a teddy bear on the CBeebies sofa

A Wolverhampton-born comedian, actress, and writer, Meera rose to prominence with Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42. She was included in the 1997 New Year Honours and is listed as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy by The Observer.

6. Frances Barber

Also born in Wolverhampton, Frances has had a successful career in film and television. She starred alongside Gary Oldman in Prick Up Your Ears and appeared in Doctor Who, Silk, and Sammy and Rosie Get Laid.

7. Caitlin Moran

Although born in Brighton, Caitlin Moran grew up in Wolverhampton. She is a The Times journalist and author, recognized with multiple British Press Awards, and is the author of How to Build a Girl, set in Wolverhampton.

8. Anya Chalotra

Anya Chorlotra as Yennifer — Anya Chalotra as Yennifer

Anya is best known for her role as Yennefer in The Witcher. Born in Wolverhampton, she grew up nearby in Lower Penn, South Staffordshire, and has appeared in Wanderlust as well.

9. Jacqui Oatley

A prominent football commentator for Sky Sports, Jacqui Oatley was born in Wolverhampton and is known for her work calling Premier League and FA Women’s Super League matches.

10. Antonio Aakeel

Born in Wolverhampton, Antonio Aakeel is an actor best known for his leading role in the 2018 comedy Eaten by Lions, for which he was named a Screen International Star of Tomorrow by Screen Daily.

11. Jim Lea

Slade stars Dave Hill, Jim Lea, Don Powell and Noddy Holder are joined around the piano by Vera Lynn at the 1973 Melody Maker Awards

Jim Lea, a founding member of Slade, is renowned for playing multiple instruments and co-writing most of the band’s iconic songs. He was with Slade from its inception until 1992.

12. Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams started his career playing for Hednesford Town

Born in Wolverhampton, Williams went on to play for Swansea City and Everton in the Premier League and was also the captain of Wales. He featured for the Wales team which reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals

13. Vyto Ruginis

An English-American actor born in Wolverhampton, Vyto Ruginis is known for playing the vampire Russell Winters in Angel and has appeared in films such as Moneyball, The Devil’s Advocate, and Cliffhanger.

14. Nigel Slater

The well-known food critic has written a column for The Observer Magazine for over a decade and is the principal writer for the Observer Food Monthly supplement. He’s also hosted the Channel 4 series Nigel Slater’s Real Food Show, and written books. In 2020, he was included in the New Year Honours for services to cookery and literature

16. Suzi Perry

A British television presenter, Suzi Perry is best known for her coverage of MotoGP and Formula One. She grew up in Wolverhampton.

17. Kristian Thomas

England's Kristian Thomas competes on the Floor during the Men's Team Final and Individual Qualification at the SEE Hydro, during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

Born in Wolverhampton, Thomas is a British former artistic gymnast. A long-standing member of both the England and Great Britain men’s teams, he was a member of the British team that won gold in the 2012 European Championships team event, and a historic bronze in the same event at the 2012 Summer Olympics

18. Judith Keppel

Wolverhampton-born Judith is a quiz show contestant who was the first person to win one million pounds on the British television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. She has appeared on the former BBC Two, now Channel 5, quiz show Eggheads since its inception in 2003, until she retired from the show in 2022.

19. Nigel Bennett

Born in Wolves, the actor is best known for playing the vampire patriarch Lucien LaCroix in the TV series Forever Knight, for which he won the Canadian Gemini Award for best supporting actor in a dramatic series.