5 celebrities who grew up and went to school in Southampton

Several of these celebrities attended school and college in the city, with some often spotted returning to the area to perform or see loved ones.

Whether you have bumped into them in the street or have seen them on TV, here are some celebrities who grew up in Southampton.

Benny Hill

(Image: Supplied) The English actor, comedian, singer and writer was born in Southampton on January 21 1924.

Alfred Hawthorne ‘Benny’ Hill attended Taunton’s School (Richard Taunton Sixth Form College) during his time in the city.

After leaving school, Hill worked at Woolworths and as a milkman with Hann & Son Dairy in Eastleigh.

This was prior to his career as a bridge operator, a driver and a drummer, before becoming assistant stage manager with a touring revue.

He is best remembered for his television programme The Benny Hill Show.

In later years he still lived a fairly unassuming life in the family home which was still in Westrow Gardens in Southampton.

Benny Hill died on April 20, 1992, in Teddington, aged 68, and he was laid to rest  in the Hollybrook Cemetery.

Kai Widdrington

(Image: Newsquest) Strictly Come Dancing fans out there will no doubt recognise Kai from the hit series, of which he has been a part of since 2021.

He was born in Southampton and grew up in Chandler’s Ford which is where he started his successful dance career.

Kai attended St Swithun Wells Catholic Primary School and Toynbee School.

He learnt to dance in Hedge End at A&L Dance Academy and later had lessons at Dizzyfeet Dancing.

Kai started his Strictly career in 2021 with presenter AJ Odudu and the pair reached the final.

He was partnered with journalist and presenter Kaye Adams the following year, and he took to the floor with broadcasting legend Angela Rippon in the 2023 series.

Earlier this year, he performed at the Mayflower Theatre with fellow Strictly pro Nadiya Bychkova, and he will perform in Fareham during a solo tour next summer.

Will Champion

Will Champion performing with Chris Martin (Image: PA Wire) Will Champion is best known as the drummer and percussionist of Coldplay.

Born and raised in Southampton, he learned to play numerous instruments during his youth.

He grew up in Highfield, close to the University of Southampton, where his parents worked.

Will attended Portswood Primary School, then Cantell School and Peter Symonds College.

He used to play cricket for Chandler's Ford CC alongside his older brother and they went to the Highfield Church regularly.

Kenya Grace

Kenya Grace (Image: PA) Kenya Grace burst onto the music scene last year, impressing people all over the world.

Her single ‘Strangers’ – released last year - took the country by storm and hit number one on the UK Singles Chart.

The South-African born singer, songwriter, and producer grew up in Southampton and attended Thornden School. 

She also used to play hockey for Hampshire before pursuing her music career at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford.

Craig David

Craig David (Image: PA) It wouldn't be a list of Southampton celebrities without Craig David!

The RnB star – who was awarded an MBE for services to music – grew up on the Holyrood estate.

He also attended Bellemoor School, now known as Upper Shirley High, and later attended Southampton City College.

In October 2022 Craig returned to his hometown to perform an intimate gig at The 1865 in Brunswick Square.

He also championed the city as it bid to become the City of Culture 2025 during the process in 2022. 

With smash hits like ‘7 Days’ and ‘Re-Rewind’ to his name, Craig is a loved member of the city music scene and community.