But what about some of South Essex’s past and present residents?
From Hollywood royalty to reality TV icons, we’ve rounded up some celebrities you may not have known who have links to South Essex:
Rachel Riley
Mathematician and TV personality Rachel Riley became a household name when she joined the TV show Countdown in 2009 – when she was just 22 years old.
The star was born in Rochford and spent most of her childhood in Thorpe Bay, where she attended Southend Girls’ High School and then went on to Oxford University.
Riley later went on to appear on the 2013 series of Strictly Come Dancing. She was voted out in week six and found love with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev in the process.
Jordan and Ashley Banjo grew up between Wickford and Billericay (Image: PA) Ashley Banjo
Although born in east London, Ashley Banjo, a dancer, choreographer and television personality, moved to Wickford as a child and spent his early years in the area.
The talented diversity leader attended St John’s School in Billericay where he pursued his passion for dance and was the school’s principal.
Banjo became a household name when Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. He’s not the only member of the group to hail from South Essex, as Perry Kelly grew up in nearby South Ockendon.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel was born in Southend in 1989 and spent her childhood in the seaside town. She attended St Hilda’s School and Westcliff Girls’ High School during her time in Southend.
After leaving the city, Emmanuel continued to star in such popular projects as Game of Thrones, Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious.
In previous interviews, the actress has shared fond memories of her childhood in Southend.
Perhaps South Essex’s most famous celebrity (Image: PA) is Dame Helen Mirren
Another star who moved to South Essex when she was young and grew up in the area is Dame Helen Mirren.
Mirren attended Hamlet Court Primary School in Westcliffe, and had her first leading role in the school production of Hansel and Gretel. She later transferred to St Bernard’s Girls’ High School in Southend, where she continued to act in school productions.
Mirren’s early experiments on the South Essex stages contributed to her great success. Her breakout role came in the 1984 film Cal, for which she received critical acclaim. Her career reached new heights in 2006 when she starred in The Queen, playing Queen Elizabeth II.
