Famous People From Somerset
From Formula One drivers to musicians, comedians to authors, Somerset has been home to lots of celebrities. Some of the names on this list you’ll know already but others may surprise you…
Mary Berry
Mary Berry is an English food writer, chef, baker and television presenter. She has presented on several television series, including The Great British Bake Off.
She was born in Bath and studied catering and institutional management at Bath College of Domestic Science.
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey is an English actor, comedian, musician and singer.He was born in Bath in 1965.
Bailey is known for his appearances on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You and QI, as well as his extensive stand-up work.
John Cleese
The actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer is best known for Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Rat Race and more was born in Weston-super-Mare.
Jacqueline Wilson
The bestselling children's author was born in Bath. Jaqueline Wilson's books have sold over 20 million copies and have been adapted for television, including The Story of Tracy Beaker on CBBC.
Russell Howard
The comedian, television presenter, radio presenter, and actor was born in Bath. He is best known for his television shows Russell Howard's Good News and The Russell Howard Hour, and his appearances on the topical panel TV show Mock the Week.
Jenson Button
The British racing driver and former Formula One driver was born in Frome. He won the 2009 Formula One World Championship when he drove for the Brawn GP team.
Helen Chamberlain
Helen Chamberlain, born in Street, is a television presenter, best known for presenting Soccer AM on Sky Sports for 22 years.
Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore was born in Weston-super-Mare. He was a founding member of Deep Purple in 1968, playing jam-style hard rock music that mixed guitar riffs and organ sounds. He has a reputation as one of the most influential musicians in rock history.
Amy Williams
Amy is a British former skeleton racer and Olympic gold medallist.
Originally a runner, she began training in skeleton in 2002 after trying the sport on a push-start track at the University of Bath.
Ann Widdecombe
The former Conservative MP, born in Bath, was Member of Parliament for Maidstone and The Weald, and the former Maidstone constituency, from 1987 to 2010 and Member of the European Parliament for South West England from 2019 to 2020.
Vanessa White
The singer-songwriter, dancer and actress was born in Yeovil in 1989. She rose to fame in 2008 as a singer in the girl band The Saturdays.
