Guess Who: Stopford edition…

The celebs famous for living in Stockport 

Stockport may be small but it’s mighty when it comes to creating some of the nation’s famous faces. Here’s a rundown of some our favourites… But who have we missed that deserves to make the list?  

 

Phil Foden  

 

Stockport has had its fair share of footballers, but carrying the title of ‘Stockport’s Iniesta’ Phil Foden is undoubtably Stopford’s no.1. Now one of England’s favourite forwards, Phil Foden’s footballing journey began at Bridge Hall Primary School in Edgeley. He was just four when a Manchester City coach spotted him during a session with the under-6s, inviting him to train with the club.  

While developing at City, Phil also played local grassroots football for Stockport Junior Blues before joining Reddish Vulcans, where he played alongside other City youngsters. He officially joined City’s academy at Under-9 level, going on to rise through the ranks before making his Champions League debut at just 17. 

 

Michelle Keegan  

 

Many of us have watched Michelle grow up on our screens. She burst onto the cobbles as Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street to becoming a household name, picking up awards along the way for standout performances such as Corporal Georgie Lane in Our Girl. 

Although Michelle moved from Stockport to Salford at a young age, she has described Stockport as being part of her foundations in an interview with Stylist. Before landing her big break, she worked at Selfridges in the Trafford Centre and as a check-in agent at Manchester Airport. She started acting later than most and landed her first breakout role in only her second ever professional audition.  

 

Aimee Lou Wood  

 

Aimee is another Stockport actress who has gone from aspiring performer to worldwide fame, starring in hit shows including Sex Education, Daddy Issues and The White Lotus. She found her love for acting at Cheadle Hulme school, before going on to eventually study at the world-famous performing arts school, RADA.   

She is well known for her distinctive Stopfordian accent which shines through in many of her on-screen characters.  

 

The Blossoms  

 

All five members of the band were born at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stopford, all living approximately within two miles of each other. Tom Ogden, Joe Donovan and Josh Dewhurst attended Stockport School, while Charlie Salt and Myles Kellock went to Offerton School. 

Their name was inspired by the famous Blossoms pub on Buxton Road, which they spotted while riding together on the 192 bus, deciding it would be a great band name. And their first rehearsal space was a small room tucked away in Charlie’s grandfather’s scaffolding yard, the unassuming Stockport spot where the magic began.  

 

Fred Perry  

 

Fred’s success in tennis was particularly impressive because he came from a working-class family at a time when the sport was largely dominated by the more privileged. He was originally a world champion in table tennis before switching to lawn tennis and going on to win Wimbledon three years in a row. 

And Fred Perry wasn’t the only famous name in the family. His dad, Samuel Perry, was a prominent figure in the Co-operative movement, later becoming the first national secretary of the Co-operative Party. 

 

Will Mellor  

 

Born in Bredbury, Will Mellor grew up playing on the streets of Stockport, and has never been shy about his love for the town. From Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps to Coronation Street and Strictly Come Dancing, his fame has never let him forget his roots.  

He still visits the area regularly to see his sister, who owns Mellor’s Café in Romiley, and has continued to show his support for the local community. He has backed campaigns such as “Keep Our Brilliant Businesses Bouncing” and the “Stockport 4 Slow Cookers” campaign, which aimed to support families experiencing food poverty. 

 

David Dickinson  

 

Yes, he’s the real deal! Have you ever watched Dickinson’s Real Deal and thought, “Hmm, that accent sounds familiar?” Well, you’d be right. David Dickinson was born in Cheadle Heath in 1941 and was adopted by his parents, who went on to raise him in Stockport. 

His early career was actually in textiles, working as a commission agent in Manchester. Years later, he discovered that his biological Armenian grandfather had also been a textile merchant, meaning the career he had chosen had an unexpected connection to his family history. David discovered his love for antiques when travelling the world with his wife Lorne Lesley who was a cabaret singer.  

 

Tess Daly  

 

You might know her best as the face of Strictly Come Dancing, but did you know Tess Daly has Stockport roots? Born in Stockport in 1969, Tess grew up in nearby Birch Vale, just outside New Mills, after being raised by her hard-working parents, who both worked in local factories. 

Her connection to the area goes even further, with research into her family tree revealing that some of her Irish ancestors eventually settled in the Stockport area. So, while she may have gone on to become one of the UK’s most recognisable TV presenters, there are still some strong Northern roots behind that Strictly personality.  

 

Claire Foy  

 

Claire Foy’s regal elegance, so brilliantly portrayed in The Crown, can be traced back to Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, where she was born. She spent her early years across the Northwest, living in Stockport, Manchester and Leeds, before eventually moving to Buckinghamshire.  

Though her career would take her to the heights of Hollywood and the world stage, her story began right here in the North West. 

 

James Conway  

 

If you live in Stopford, you’ve surely noticed the cool bronze statue at Mount Tabor Chapel, but do you know the incredible story of its inspiration, James Conway? Stockport-born Royal Marine James, was a canoeist in one of World War Two’s most dangerous missions: Operation Frankton.  

Him and nine other men paddled kayaks over 80 miles through enemy territory to plant mines on Nazi supply ships in Bordeaux, France. James and his colleagues were successful but unfortunately, he did not escape and was executed by German forces.  

 

Jim Gannon  

 

Although he wasn’t born in Stockport, Jim Gannon is undoubtedly one of the town’s biggest sporting legends. He spent more than a decade with Stockport County, making over 400 appearances for the club and scoring more than 50 goals. 

Moving to Stockport from Ireland to pursue his football career, Jim quickly became an integral part of some of the biggest moments in Stockport County’s history. During his time as a player, he was part of four Wembley appearances and memorable victories over the likes of West Ham, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton. 

He later returned to the club as manager, where he achieved one of his greatest successes, taking Stockport County from near the bottom of League Two to promotion to League One. 

 

Craig Cash  

 

Before Craig reached his height of fame, slumping on The Royle Family sofa, he attended Goyt Bank Secondary School before moving on to work at Stockport’s KFM Radio. Not only did Dave star in The Royle Family, but he also co-created the programme. He then went on to co-write and star in pub-based comedy, Early Doors.  

Craig’s time at KFM Radio was particularly impactful on his career, as this is where he met his The Royle Family co-star, Caroline Aherne, as well as Virgin radio presenter Geoff Lloyd.