Famous People Born In Middlesbrough

James Arthur is an English singer-songwriter who achieved popularity after winning the popular British reality TV music competition The X Factor in 2012. Apart from debuting at the top position on the UK Singles Chart, his debut single also went on to sell more than 2.5 million copies, making it the most successful single in the history of the show.

Wendy Richard is best remembered as Shirley Brahms from Are You Being Served? and as Pauline Fowler from EastEnders, and won the British Soap Award for Special Achievement for the latter. She died of breast cancer at 65 but documented the final months of her life in a BBC documentary.

Part of the Vic and Bob comedy act, with Vic Reeves, comedian Bob Mortimer previously worked as a solicitor. He has also gained fame with shows such as House of Fools and Bang, Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer. Once a local football player, he was later plagued by rheumatoid arthritis.

Rory Underwood is an English former rugby union player. He predominantly played in the wing position and spent the majority of his career with Leicester Tigers. He also played for Middlesbrough and Bedford Blues. He was previously a pilot with the Royal Air Force and has played for the RAF rugby team as well.