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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaron Curran

Famous faces who started life in one part of Merseyside

Merseyside is a county that has seen many famous names and faces, from The Beatles to Stephen Graham.

However, those from St Helens, may feel as though they are under-represented in the world of celebrities. Despite this, there are some massive names that were born and raised in the glass town.

We have had a look at some of St Helen's most famous faces and what they are known best for.

READ MORE: Work begins on controversial greenbelt M6 link road

If you think we have missed someone, let us know in the comments below.

Rick Astley

A household name in the 1980s, and still instantly recognisable to this day, Rick Astley was born in Newton-le-Willows on February 6, 1966.

The singer and songwriter rose to fame in the mid 1980s after performing in a band covering Beatles and The Shadows songs.

After being signed to record label, Rick Astley went on to record his biggest hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' in 1987, which became a worldwide number one and is still played today.

Rick Astley was born in Newton-le-Willows in 1966 (Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

For many that come from Newton-le-Willows but have moved away or are on holiday, Rick Astley is often used to describe their hometown- "It's called Newton-le-Willows, Rick Astley is from there."

Johnny Vegas

Johnny Vegas is one of St Helens' most famous sons (Chris Radburn/PA Wire)

One name which may spring to mind when thinking about St Helens is that of comedian Johnny Vegas.

Not only is the Benidorm star known because of his on-screen appearances, he is known by many in the town, often appearing at community events such as the Christmas switch on as well as charity events.

Born Michael Joseph Pennington in St Helens in 1970, Johnny Vegas is best known for his stand up comedy, as well as roles in TV shows Benidorm and Ideal.

Keiron Cunningham

Keiron Cunningham (left) made almost 500 appearances for Saints (Paul Gilham/Getty)

Keiron Cunningham's legendary status is beyond question in St Helens, with a statue of the former Saints player outside Langtree Park.

The rugby league hero made hundreds of appearances and enjoyed impressive successes for the club in the 1990s and 2000s.

Cunningham made almost 500 appearances for St Helens RLFC, spending his entire professional career with the club before retiring in 2010.

He was head coach for Saints from 2015-2017.

The Pilkingtons

Pilkingtons Glass helped put St Helens on the map (Colin Lane)

No town in the country is more closely tied to the art of glass making than St Helens, with Pilkingtons playing a large part in this- helping put St Helens on the map.

The company was born in St Helens almost 200 years ago, and remained at the cutting edge of glass production ever since.

Alastair Pilkington invented the 'float glass' process in the 1950s - a discovery that revolutionised glass-making the world over.

The St Helens factory closed down in 2013 but Pilkingtons still produce glass in the town.

Sister Duffy

Sister Duffy. (St Helens Library Archive Service)

Sister Kathleen Duffy was a figure loved by many across the borough, she had worked as a nurse at Provident Hospital for many years and was renowned for her caring nature.

Sister Duffy died aged 85 in 2015.

Hundreds of local people attended her funeral and paid their respects on social media to the nurse, who moved to St Helens from Ireland as a young woman

Steve Prescott

Rugby League legend Steve Prescott MBE with his two sons Taylor and Koby (The Steve Prescott Foundation)

Saints Legend Steve Prescott is loved as much for what he did after his playing as for what he did on the field.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Prescott set up the Steve Prescott Foundation to raise money for cancer charities, he raised money by taking part in charity boxing matches, marathons and cycling challenged.

Steve Prescott died on November 9 2013, leaving behind his foundation which continues to do amazing work in the community.

Ray French

Local boy Ray French is one of the few rugby players to have represented England not only in rugby league - but in the union game as well.

He played first in the national rugby union team, before switching to rugby league and playing for Saints in the 1960s.

But he is probably best known and loved as a major rugby league commentator, commentating on every Challenge Cup final between 1982 and 2008.

He also had a spell as a teacher at Cowley School, now Cowley International College.

Martin Murray

Martin Murray (Chris Radburn/PA Wire)

Local legend Martin Murray is a former British and Commonwealth champion, and one of Britain's top boxers.

The fighter may have lost four world title bids - sometimes by the narrowest of margins - but he remains steadfast in his determination to reach the top.

David Yates

Director David Yates and Eddie Redmayne at the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them world premiere in New York (Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

David Yates played a major role in making the Harry Potter movies the global sensations they became - as director of several of the films.

But he started out in St Helens, with a Super 8 camera bought by his mum.

The Rainhill director, who attended St Helens College, is also behind, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Him.

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