Famous People From Nottingham You'll Want to Meet

Nottingham has produced more than just legends like Robin Hood. From ground breaking actors to world class athletes, this gem of the East Midlands has quietly shaped culture, sport, and science around the globe for decades. If you’re living or studying here, there’s a whole host of famous people from Nottingham you’ll want to meet.

Vicky McClure: Acting With Heart

BAFTA winning actor Vicky McClure was born in Wollaton and still lives in the city today. Known for her respective roles in Line of Duty and This Is England, she’s fiercely loyal to Nottingham and is passionate about mental health activism. Her mix of grit, humour, and empathy is something many students can relate to, especially those navigating tough industries with purpose.

Torvill and Dean: Skating Into History

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean created one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history. Their gold winning Boléro performance at the 1984 Winter Olympics earned them a perfect score. You may also recognise them from ITV’s Dancing on Ice, where they were coaches for fellow celebrities trying to follow in their footsteps. Today, you can visit the National Ice Centre that was built as a lasting tribute to their achievement for a skate, a student job, or just to say you’ve glided where greatness began.

Sleaford Mods: Beats, Grit and Raw Honesty

Known for their punchy lyrics and no-filter style, Sleaford Mods give a voice to working class Britain. Frontman Jason Williamson is proudly Nottingham raised and blends spoken word with biting beats. Their music speaks directly to the frustrations and hopes of everyday people. For those who crave raw expression and realness, this is your soundtrack.

Carl Froch: The Cobra of the Ring

Carl Froch became a world champion boxer with titles in the super-middleweight division between 2002 and 2014. Nicknamed “The Cobra”, he was known for his determination, focus, and fierce training ethic. Froch shows that discipline, resilience, and strategy go a long way, whether you’re prepping for a fight or a dissertation.

Paul Smith: Nottingham’s Fashion Visionary

What started as a tiny shop in Nottingham grew into a world-famous fashion empire. Sir Paul Smith, known for his tailored yet playful designs, stayed grounded while reaching global success. His story is a reminder that creativity and business can go hand-in-hand. If you’re into design, marketing, or entrepreneurship, Paul Smith’s local legacy is seriously motivating.

A visit to his flagship store in the centre of the city is something of a pilgrimage for creative students.

Brian Clough: The Legend Who Made Nottingham His Own

Though born in Middlesbrough, Brian Clough is considered an honorary Nottingham local. As the legendary manager of Nottingham Forest, he led the club to consecutive European cup (UEFA Champions League) titles in 1979 and 1980. His larger than life character, witty one-liners, and belief in doing things his way made him a true icon. His leadership style and fearless mindset are still studied today. Walk through the city centre and you’ll find a statue of the great man proudly looking over his adopted city.

Alice Levine: From Nottingham to National Radio

TV host, podcast creator, and ex-Nottingham student, Alice Levine went from student accommodation to broadcasting studios. A former BBC Radio 1 DJ and co-host of My Dad Wrote a Porno, she mixes humour, intelligence, and a bit of mischief. The perfect idol for students dreaming of creative careers. She proves you can start small and go seriously far.

Discover More of What Nottingham Offers Students

There’s inspiration around every corner. Whether it’s art at the Nottingham Contemporary, talks at the Broadway Cinema, or networking events at BioCity, the ‘City of Rebels’ invites you to dream bigger. When you need a break, take a walk through Wollaton Park or grab a bite in Hockley with your coursemates.

Discover some of what Nottingham has to offer.

Make Your Own Mark

The next iconic name from Nottingham could be you. Studying anything from performing arts, engineering, politics, or sports science could be your pathway to a bright future. Next time you’re walking around Market Square, or heading across Trent Bridge, keep an eye out for some of the stars we’ve introduced you to today.

Read more about student life in Nottingham on our blog.