Famous People from Newcastle: Local Icons Who Shaped the City

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is known for its distinctive accent, iconic nightlife scene, and a strong sense of community. It’s also home to a long list of famous names who’ve left a lasting legacy on the city, the country, and sometimes the world.

In this guide, we’re looking at some of the most famous people from Newcastle. Not just because you’ll recognise them, but to showcase what they represent. A city built on hard work, connection, and success without abandoning your roots.

This is all helpful if you’re new to the city, considering making it your new home next year, or just curious about what Newcastle-upon-Tyne has given the world beyond a certain budget bakery chain.

What Makes Newcastle a Hotbed of Talent?

The city has a deep connection to its people, built on working class values and artistic ambition. It’s a place where locals are proud of their heritage and culture. For decades, it’s produced musicians, athletes, actors, and presenters who’ve stayed closely linked to their Geordie roots despite their fame.

The stories you’ll learn about today highlight that success isn’t always about where you end up, but how you use your home as a platform to make a difference.

Alan Shearer: Loyalty and Leadership

Born: Gosforth, Newcastle
Known for: Record breaking Premier League footballer, Newcastle United legend

Alan Shearer was one of the most legendary footballers of the late 90s and remains one of the most respected forwards in the history of the sport. He holds the Premier League goalscoring record with 260 goals to his name, and spent the last 10 seasons of his career playing for his beloved hometown club, Newcastle United.

Since retiring, Shearer has become a popular pundit and has also contributed millions to local causes through his Alan Shearer Foundation. The charity supports people with complex disabilities by providing support and experiences. He has also supported North East communities through his media presence and involvement in regional events.

Did you know? 

Shearer once rejected a move to Manchester United. Instead, he stayed loyal to his city and became a symbol of the ‘Toon Army’.

Ant & Dec: Presenting Royalty

Born: Newcastle upon Tyne
Known for: TV presenters, actors, producers

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly got their start on Newcastle’s Byker Grove, a youth drama series that gave many local actors their first break. Since then, they’ve become a pillar of British television with long running shows like Saturday Night Takeaway, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Britain’s Got Talent.

Despite achieving stardom, they regularly reference their roots and have funded media and performing arts education projects in the North East. In 2013, they helped save their old secondary school from closure with a public campaign and donations.

Fun fact: Ask your parents if they remember PJ & Duncan, it was their alter-ego’s in the 1990s. They sang the now iconic ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rumble”. 

Sam Fender: From Shields to Stadiums

Born: North Shields
Known for: Singer songwriter, Mercury Prize winner

It’s no secret that Sam Fender grew up in tough times, but this pain has been transformed into one of the most legendary local music careers of modern times. His songs give a voice to those struggling with similar problems without romanticising them. His music resonates far beyond the River Tyne, but its heart is distinctly Geordie.

Fender is also a huge Newcastle United fan and achieved a boyhood dream when he performed at their St. James Park home in 2023. Both nights were sold out, marking the first time a local performer had done so.

Fun Fact:

Fender was recently awarded The Mercury Prize, one of the top music awards in the industry, for his latest album ‘People Watching’.

Cheryl: Music and Media

Born: Walker, Newcastle
Known for: Girls Aloud member, solo career, TV judge

Cheryl first became famous through her membership of pop group Girls Aloud, in which she performed for much of the early 2000s. She later became a famous ‘WAG’ before embarking on a solo career that resulted in her becoming a judge on The X Factor.

Cheryl has remained one of the most recognisable figures in British pop culture for over two decades, known for her style, strong regional identity, and connection with audiences.

Did you know?

Girls Aloud had 21 consecutive UK Top 10 singles, a feat that stood out in the 2000s music scene.

Charlie Hunnam: The Gentleman

Born: Heaton, Newcastle
Known for: Actor

Another actor who was born on the set of Byker Grove, Charlie Hunnam, has since become one of the most distinctive actors of his generation. Notable for his roles in The Gentleman, Sons of Anarchy, and most recently, Netflix’s Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Hunnam is famed for his dedication to his roles, giving an authenticity to all of his performances. He is also one of the few British actors to lead a successful career in American television. He now lives stateside, but will forever remain a Geordie.

Trivia:
He studied film theory and history at university before breaking into the industry full time. So, you know you can make it.

Sting: From Shipyards to Global Stages

Born: Wallsend
Known for: Musician, former frontman of The Police

Born as Gordon Sumner, Sting grew up in Wallsend during a time when the shipbuilding industry dominated the area. These early experiences shaped his perspective and found their way into his songwriting.

As a member of The Police and later as a solo artist, Sting has released dozens of albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and performed around the world. His music blends genres and often reflects philosophical or political themes, showing the breadth of his interests beyond pop hits.

Notable achievement:
He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.

What Does This All Mean for Newcastle Students

Studying or living in Newcastle means being part of a place that’s produced more than its fair share of talent. The key point isn’t just where these people ended up, though;  it’s how they started.

They came from ordinary streets, schools, and families, and many began their journeys in local venues, youth groups, or community centres still open today.

If you’re new to the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore music, film, sport, and the creative industries. Newcastle’s cultural scene continues to grow, and the path from the Tyne to Tinseltown is well travelled.

Explore more reasons why Newcastle-upon-Tyne could be your new home. 

Celebrating Geordie Icons

These famous people from Newcastle don’t define the city, but they do represent its values. Their stories are etched into the fabric of Geordie culture, and show how regional pride still has its place in an ever globalised world.

So, as they say on the banks of the Tyne, “Up the Geordies”.

We’ll see you at Greggs.