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. Now, we’ve decided to take a look at the famous celebrities who grew up in the city districts of Erdington and Northfield.
Many famous people grew up in these Birmingham areas which have plenty to offer. Erdington has many historical attractions and one of the most well-known features in the area is Spaghetti Junction, situated on the southern edge of the district and on the border of Aston and Gravelly Hill. The former nightclub Mothers on the neighbourhood’s high street also had a big impact on music in the late 1960s, with Pink Floyd recording a live record there.
Many famous people also have ties to Kingstanding. The neighbourhood houses a covered drinking water reservoir, Perry Barr Reservoir, on the site of the former Perry Barr Farm. Kingstanding also has two libraries; Kingstanding Library and Perry Common Library.
A number of actors, sportspeople, musicians and other famous faces all come from these north Birmingham areas. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at the most famous people who are from Erdington and Kingstanding, including those who were born in the areas, as well as those who have lived there at some point during their lifetime.
9. Alan Carr
Ok, so the TV host and comedian didn’t grow up in Birmingham, but Alan Carr recently admitted on Joe Lycett’s chat show Late Night Lycett that he’s a big fan of Big John’s takeaway by Erdington high street. We’ve decided this makes the Chatty Man host an honorary member! Photo: Kate Green
10. Garfield Morgan
Morgan was an English actor who appeared mostly on television and occasionally in films. He began acting with a youth club drama group in Erdington where he grew up. His best remembered role was as Detective Chief Inspector Frank Haskins in the British crime series of the 1970s, The Sweeney | Getty
11. Murray Walker OBE
Murray was an English motorsport commentator and journalist. He provided television commentary of live Formula One coverage for the BBC between 1976 and 1996, and for ITV between 1997 and 2001. Born in Brum, he lived in Erdington as a youngster | Getty Images
12. Topsy Jane
Jane was born in Erdington and went to appear in the 1960s films such as the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner and the Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner | Wikipedia