The West Midlands boasts some seriously talented exports, from movie stars and musicians to world class football players.
Recently, we’ve had a look at the famous faces - actors, musicians and even politicians - who were raised in and around Birmingham. Now, we’ve decided to take a look at the famous celebrities who grew up in Small Heath.
Many famous people grew up in the Birmingham district which is steeped in history. The south Birmingham neighbourhood is known as being the home to Birmingham City FC. The Blues were known as the Small Heath Alliance when the club was formed in 1875, and the real life Peaky Blinders gang operated in the area in the early 1900s.
A number of writers, sportspeople, and actors as well as other famous faces all come from the area. With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at the most famous people who are from Small Heath, including those who were born in the areas, as well as those who have lived there at some point during their lifetime.
1. David Harewood OBE
The British actor and presenter was born in Small Heath. He’s best known for roles in Homeland and Superman. Harewood is also a big Birmingham City fan
2. Jaykae
Jaykae is a rapper and actor. He’s collaborated with Mike Skinner and Skepta. He’s also friends with Ed Sheeran, with the two artists surprising the locals in Small Heath last year when Jaykae took Sheeran to the Roost pub on Cattell Road. The rapper also lives in Small Heath and grew up in the area
3. Thomas Gilbert and the Peaky Blinders
The real life Peaky Blinders gang were said to be formed in Small Heath and operated in the area. The gang were said to be formed by Thomas Mucklow (pictured second in from the right)
4. Mazher Mahmood
Mazher Mahmood was an award-winning undercover journalist from Small Heath, famous for his controversial exposés of high profile figures. He worked mainly for the tabloid press. He spent 20 years working for the News of the World and the Sunday Times. Mahmood became known popularly as the “fake sheikh” because he often posed as a sheikh during the course of his investigations.