Birmingham boasts some seriously talented exports, from movie stars and musicians to world class football players.
We’ve had a look at the famous faces - actors, musicians and even politicians - who were raised in and around the city in recent months. We’ve now taken a look at the famous faces of Sparkhill and Sparkbrook.
Sparkbrook is known as one of Birmingham’s inner-city areas where the Peaky Blinders operated. Sparkhill is also where the BBC sitcom Citizen Khan starring Adil Ray is set.
Let’s take a look at the famous faces that were brought up in the neighbourhoods.
1. Roland Gift
Roland is known as the former singer/frontman of the pop band Fine Young Cannibals. He was born in the Sparkhill district. He lived in Sparkhill until the age of 11. His band's 1989 album, The Raw & the Cooked, topped the UK, US, Australian and Canadian album charts, and contained their two Billboard Hot 100 number ones: "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing". Photo: Steve Gunn
2. Bev Bevan
Birmingham-born Bev was the drummer and one of the original members of the Move and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). He was also was drummer for Black Sabbath during the Born Again Tour. The Brummie musician was born in Sparkhill
3. Moeen Ali
Born in Birmingham, Ali grew up in the Sparkhill. The English cricketer serves as vice-captain for England in limited overs cricket. He played Test cricket for England between 2014 and 2023, when he became only the 16th person to hit 3,000 runs and take 200 wickets in Tests. Photo: Gareth Copley
4. Gil Merrick
Gil was an English footballer and football manager. Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the UK during the mid-1950s, Merrick was one in a long line of great Birmingham City keepers. He spent his entire career at Birmingham City, playing more than 700 times between 1939 and 1960. He also played at the 1954 World Cup for England