Singer, songwriter and producer (and Liverpool fan) Elvis Costello was born in London but moved to his father’s home town of Birkenhead as a youngster. He formed his first band while living on the Wirral, a folk duo called Rusty, before going on to become a huge star during the punk and new wave era. His song Little Palaces is about the Cadbury's factory in Moreton and life in Birkenhead.placeholder image
Singer, songwriter and producer (and Liverpool fan) Elvis Costello was born in London but moved to his father’s home town of Birkenhead as a youngster. He formed his first band while living on the Wirral, a folk duo called Rusty, before going on to become a huge star during the punk and new wave era. His song Little Palaces is about the Cadbury's factory in Moreton and life in Birkenhead. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

12 famous faces who were born and brought up in Birkenhead, including Sam Quek and Taron Egerton

Dominic Raynor
By Dominic Raynor

Editor

Published 24th Apr 2024, 12:16 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2024, 17:00 BST

From Oscar winners and musicians to Olympians and record goalscorers - we've picked out some of the most successful individuals from Birkenhead.

Birkenhead is famous having the oldest standing building in Merseyside, establishing the now famous Mersey Ferry back in the 12th century, the beautiful ‘People’s Garden’ that is Birkenhead Park and for being on ‘the other side of the water’ (depending on your perspective).

But did you know the Wirral town has produced pioneering mountaineers, Oscar winning actresses, music stars, gold-medal winning Olympians, record-breakers and Turner Prize winners?

Here we take a look at 12 household names and successful celebrities that were born or raised in Birkenhead - from Paul O'Grady to Sam Quek.

Kingsman star Taron Egerton was born in Birkenhead before moving to North Wales when he was 12. The talented actor won a Golden Globe for his role as Elton John in the musical Rocketman in 2019.

5. Taron Egerton

Kingsman star Taron Egerton was born in Birkenhead before moving to North Wales when he was 12. The talented actor won a Golden Globe for his role as Elton John in the musical Rocketman in 2019. | Amy Sussman/Getty Images Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Born on Laird Street in Birkenhead in 1907, iconic footballer Dixie Dean went on to become one of the game's greatest ever goalscorers. After working on the Wirral Railway and playing for Tranmere Rovers he led Everton to two top-flight league titles and an FA Cup. During the 1927/28 season he netted 60 times, setting a goalscoring record for a single season that is yet to be broken. He has a statue outside Goodison Park and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

6. Dixie Dean

Born on Laird Street in Birkenhead in 1907, iconic footballer Dixie Dean went on to become one of the game's greatest ever goalscorers. After working on the Wirral Railway and playing for Tranmere Rovers he led Everton to two top-flight league titles and an FA Cup. During the 1927/28 season he netted 60 times, setting a goalscoring record for a single season that is yet to be broken. He has a statue outside Goodison Park and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. | Barker/Getty Images Photo: Barker/Getty Images

Solo artist and co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets (alongside Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner) Miles Kane was born in Birkenhead and raised in Wirral. He played the saxophone as a child and his cousins, James and Ian Skelly, are two founding members of The Coral.

7. Miles Kane

Solo artist and co-frontman of The Last Shadow Puppets (alongside Arctic Monkeys singer Alex Turner) Miles Kane was born in Birkenhead and raised in Wirral. He played the saxophone as a child and his cousins, James and Ian Skelly, are two founding members of The Coral. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

Journalist, newsreader and BBC Breakfast presenter, Sally Nugent, was born in Birkenhead and travelled to Upton Hall School FCJ. She began her career at BBC Radio Merseyside before becoming a reporter and newsreader for BBC North West Tonight.

8. Sally Nugent

Journalist, newsreader and BBC Breakfast presenter, Sally Nugent, was born in Birkenhead and travelled to Upton Hall School FCJ. She began her career at BBC Radio Merseyside before becoming a reporter and newsreader for BBC North West Tonight. | Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images

Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:AnimalsLondonCelebritiesMusiciansPaul O'GradyLabour PartyLiverpoolYoungsterITVTurner PrizeCadburyFA CupElton JohnNorth WalesEverton
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice