8 famous people from Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales
How many of these big names did you know were from round here?
Last updated 27th Jul 2021
Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales might be home to many a celebrity and the current England Men's football team manager, but how many stars were actually born round here?
Well, it turns out we've given the world plenty of Emmerdale stars, a popstar-turned-actor, Downton Abbey alumni, a magician and an Olympic gold medallist!
Take a look at 8 famous people from Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales:
Andrew Scarborough
A familiar face from "Downton Abbey" - he played Tim Drewe - but perhaps you know him better as Graham Foster in "Emmerdale". The character met a grisly end in early 2020 after three years on the show. Andrew was born in Harrogate and went to Harrogate Grammar School.
Jim Carter OBE
"Downton Abbey" fans will instantly recognise the butler Mr Carson. Jim Carter was born in Harrogate and went to Ashville College. He was Head Boy in his final year. Married to fellow actor Imelda Staunton, Jim was made an OBE in 2019.
Tom Lister
Tom Lister hails from Ingleton, on the western fringes of the Yorkshire Dales. Known to many as Carl King in "Emmerdale", he left the show when his character was killed off in that dramatic 40th anniversary live episode in 2012.
Claire King
And another from "Emmerdale" we can claim as our own is Claire King. Born Jayne Claire King over the border in Bradford, she grew up in Harrogate, attending Harrogate Ladies College. She had a decade-long stint on the soap in the 90s as one of one show's most iconic characters Kim Tate.
Olly Alexander
The Years & Years lead singer Olly Alexander was born Oliver Alexander Thornton in Harrogate but grew up down south on the border between England and Wales. With two Top 3 albums so far, you'll know the bands biggest hits including: "King, "Shine" and "If You're Over Me". You'll also recognise him from his starring role in in the Channel 4 drama "It's A Sin".
Jack Laugher
Olympic gold-medal winning diver Jack Laugher is from Harrogate. He went to Ripon Grammar School. He first got a taste for diving at Harrogate Hydro Swimming Pool. A springboard specialist, he and 3m synchro partner Chris Mears became Team GB's first ever Olympic diving gold medallists at Rio in 2016.
Hugo Speer
Best remembered as Guy in the film "The Full Monty", TV and movie actor Hugo Speer was born in Harrogate. He was a student at Harrogate Grammar School. In recent years you'll have seen him playing Lucius in the Sky/Amazon Prime fantasy drama "Britannia".
Paul Zenon
Comedy magician Paul Zenon was born Paul Collins in Skipton. Starting out in Blackpool hotels, his skills have taken him on worldwide tours and been showcased on countless TV shows. Maybe you've read his books – or even seen him in Dictionary Corner on "Countdown"!
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