I used to think of Manchester as the home of classic British stars – bands like The Smiths, the Gallagher brothers from Oasis, and football heroes like Best and Charlton. But honestly, there’s a totally new and exciting energy in the city now, a fresh wave of talent making their mark. It feels like a completely different Manchester than the one I first fell in love with, and it’s brilliant!
Instead of going out for lively evenings filled with drinks and singalongs, many people now focus on building a strong social media presence, taking perfect photos, and presenting a polished, glamorous image.
Enter the new wave of talent who are proudly from Manchester.
Today’s celebrities – from reality TV personalities and musicians to actors, social media influencers, and TV hosts – are changing how we think about city life and what it means to be from a major urban center.
They share their work on platforms like Instagram, podcasts, and television, reaching people all over the world, but they’re still deeply connected to their Northern origins.
Driven by their strong Manchester roots, quick wit, and relentless hustle – qualities born in the UK’s booming influencer hub – these creators are once again making Manchester a key player in British culture. But who are the rising stars, and who’s still making their mark?
THE A LIST
Aitch
Rapper Aitch’s distinctive accent from northern England has become a hit on the radio, attracting a new wave of fans to the city of Manchester.
Hailing from Moston, a neighborhood in the north of the city, the 26-year-old artist consistently references his M40 postcode in his music.
He frequently mentions local places like Moston Lane, uses and appreciates Manchester slang, and his music videos vividly portray the city, often filmed in its suburban areas.
The rapper has worked with many content creators from Manchester and is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping them gain recognition.
He recently joined food influencer Toby Inskip, also known as Eating with Tod, on a tour of local restaurants and cafes.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always fascinated by success stories, and Aitch’s is a great one! He’s come a long way, starting with very little, and now he’s living the dream in a stunning £1.2 million mansion. It even has a pool and a dance floor – talk about leveling up! It’s inspiring to see someone achieve so much.
He was also renting a £10,000-a-month Manchester penthouse for some time last year.
Appearing on I’m A Celebrity will likely make the rapper even more famous, but he’ll probably always remain connected to his hometown.
Michelle Keegan
Even though Michelle Keegan now lives in a large house in Essex, she’ll always be remembered as a Manchester favorite, having grown up in Stockport.
I was so thrilled to see my city honor her with a mural near the Etihad Stadium! It really felt like the perfect tribute, especially knowing she was finishing up her amazing run as Erin Croft on Brassic. It just solidified her place as a local legend in my eyes.
Michelle has traveled the world for her acting work, but she was raised in Greater Manchester with her parents, Michael Keegan and Jackie Turner, and her brother, Andrew.
She attended St Patrick’s RC High School in Eccles and later the Manchester School of Acting.
Michelle started her career with jobs at Selfridges in the Trafford Centre, helping customers with makeup, and at Manchester Airport, checking passengers in for their flights.
In 2007, Michelle Keegan landed the role of Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street – remarkably, it was only her second audition. She won the part after a competitive audition process, beating over 900 other hopefuls, and first appeared on screen in 2008.
After leaving the soap opera Corrie in 2014, Michelle Keegan’s career flourished. In 2022, she and her husband, Mark Wright—who is known from the reality show TOWIE—moved into their £3.5 million home in Essex.
Despite her new home, she still keeps a private house near Manchester. She and Mark used it as a safe haven after their home in Essex was burglarized earlier this year.
Molly-Mae Hague
Oh my gosh, Molly Mae! I still remember when she first appeared on Love Island back in 2019! It was instant magic – she totally captured everyone’s hearts, and then she met Tommy Fury! He’s this amazing boxer, and Tyson Fury’s brother, you know? They just clicked on the show, it was like watching a fairytale romance unfold right before my eyes. I’ve been obsessed ever since!
Molly’s popularity has continued to grow since then. She’s launched two successful businesses, gained almost 9 million Instagram followers, and recently premiered a documentary series on Prime Video.
The influencer, worth about £8 million, now lives in a large Victorian house in Cheshire with her partner, Tommy, and their young child, Bambi. The house cost £5 million and features seven bedrooms, a swimming pool, a gym, and a sauna.
People consider her so impactful that when she briefly split from Tommy last year, some fans drew comparisons to the divorce of Princess Diana and King Charles.
She’s played a big part in making Manchester a popular place for influencers, especially since she and her partner first lived together in a central neighborhood called Ancoats.
I’ve heard from people in the area that it’s become a popular spot recently, with new coffee shops and brunch restaurants opening and lots of students moving in.
After achieving success, the couple sold their studio apartment for £325,000 and moved to the greener, more residential area of Cheshire in 2024.
THE B LIST
Angry Ginge
After winning the ITV show ‘I’m a Celeb’ last week, Angry Ginge reminded fans in Eccles, Greater Manchester, to remember their roots.
Morgan Burtwistle, a popular English streamer and YouTuber, immediately went back to coaching his hometown’s Winton Wanderers U18s football team after finishing his time on the reality show, ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ (often referred to as ‘the Jungle’).
Okay, so I’m completely obsessed with Manchester United, always have been. And I’ve somehow become this… thing? People are following me on TikTok, Instagram, everywhere – over five million of them! It’s wild. I guess I just represent a new generation of United fans, and it’s honestly a bit surreal.
Over the past year, Morgan is estimated to have earned approximately £1.2 million through his online work and television appearances.
Growing up on a council estate in Salford, Manchester, the streamer worked hard to improve his living situation. He saved diligently while renting a run-down apartment – it cost £350 a month and didn’t even have a shower or intact wallpaper – until he could finally afford to buy his own house.
Aimee Lou Wood
Aimee Lou Wood, an actress from Stockport, embodies a more subtle and down-to-earth kind of success story for Manchester.
Aimee Lou Wood is famous for playing a character in the popular Netflix series Sex Education. She received her training at the prestigious RADA acting school and has gained recognition in both the UK and the US.
She recently appeared in The White Lotus as the enthusiastic girlfriend of actor Walton Goggins. However, the show sparked rumors about a real-life romance between them, and they had to publicly clarify that they were just acting, which upset some fans.
She’s been seen recently with her new boyfriend, actor Adam Long, giving him a tour of her favorite places in the city.
Both actors were in Manchester filming the new BBC series, Film Club, which first aired in October.
Aimee has frequently discussed issues of social class and body image, including how she was bullied because of her gap teeth, and how casting in London often favors certain types of people.
Her distinctive accent, which some initially thought would hold her back, is now a key part of what makes her popular and is changing expectations for how leading actresses speak on TV.
C LIST
Molly Smith
Molly Smith, who won Love Island in 2024, has successfully built a career in Manchester after appearing on the show.
Instead of moving to London after appearing on the show, the 30-year-old returned home and focused on growing her personal brand among the city’s expanding network of social media influencers.
Molly is a familiar face in Manchester, often seen at gyms and restaurants thanks to her focus on fitness and collaborations with fashion brands.
While her name may not dominate national headlines, her consistency has paid off.
People within the industry say she’s dependable, connects well with audiences, and is genuinely liked – all factors that have allowed her to have a long and successful career in a business known for constantly changing trends.
Molly has since moved on with fellow Love Island winner Tom Clare.
The couple recently purchased a home in Barnsley, which is close to Manchester. However, I’ve heard they’re now selling it, as they intend to move to a more southern location following their engagement earlier in the year.
Phoebe Dynevor
Phoebe Dynevor, who grew up in Trafford, quickly became famous after starring in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton in 2020.
Phoebe Dynevor, daughter of Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor and a native of Manchester, was surrounded by acting from a young age. She went to Cheadle Hulme School before becoming a globally recognized actress.
Although her career hasn’t been as rapidly rising since the first seasons of Bridgerton, the 30-year-old actress is still well-regarded in Hollywood.
Some believe she could have become a major star, but she’s consistently chosen roles in smaller, less visible projects.
Her sister, Hattie Dynevor, is also becoming an actress, steadily gaining experience in the field.
Together, they reflect Manchester’s strong soap-to-screen pipeline.
Sasha Attwood
Sasha Attwood, who has been in a relationship with Manchester City player Jack Grealish for a long time, is well-known in Manchester’s social circles.
Even though Jack Grealish faced a lot of attention from the media when he first joined Manchester City, he’s generally kept a low profile in public.
She often divides opinions because she prefers to keep a low profile, unlike many other wives and girlfriends of famous athletes who carefully craft a public image. She generally stays out of the spotlight and focuses on raising her young daughter, Mila Rose.
Despite everything, her connection to a famous Premier League player keeps her in the public eye.
After Jack Grealish transferred to Everton from Manchester City, he continued living in his £5 million Cheshire home, as he enjoys being close to Manchester.
D LIST
Grace Jackson
Grace Jackson, who appeared on Love Island and is from Manchester, has been building a career as a fashion and lifestyle influencer since leaving the show in 2024. She’s consistently worked with various brands on sponsored content.
At 26, this individual is a popular figure around town, known for organizing club nights and frequenting trendy spots.
At one point she was even linked to ex-Manchester United player Marcus Rashford.
Since appearing on Love Island All Stars last year – where she met her current boyfriend, Luca Bish – she’s spent less time in Manchester.
The influencer moved to London a few months ago, leaving behind their work on reality TV shows in the north to pursue new opportunities in the city.
Fury Family
The Fury family are among Greater Manchester’s most recognisable celebrity clans.
Both Tyson and Tommy Fury, with their boxing achievements and appearances on reality TV, have consistently remained popular figures in the public spotlight.
The family’s story, starting in Greater Manchester, is one of determination, overcoming challenges, and occasional scandal – and it’s become known around the world.
Tyson is famous for donating generously to charities in his community. However, he recently admitted he’s lost interest in his favorite football team, Manchester United, ever since becoming passionate about horse racing. He even had two horses compete at Cartmel racecourse recently.
The Fury family continues to be a major presence, captivating audiences whether they’re competing for championships or appearing on TV.
Max George
Max George, the singer from The Wanted, has strong ties to Manchester, both in his personal life and career.
Though boybands aren’t as popular as they once were, Max has managed to stay relevant by appearing on TV, working in radio, and participating in reality shows.
The 37-year-old is frequently seen around town and is currently living with his girlfriend, actress Maisie Smith.
Max and his partner, who first connected on the show Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, have recently finished renovating a house in Manchester. They say working on the project together brought them even closer, especially given Max’s recent health issues.
The former X-Factor contestant had a pacemaker implanted after being hospitalized in December, following heart surgery last year.
Z LIST
Thomas Brothers (and Scarlet)
Ryan, Adam, and Scott Thomas are brothers who have all found success working in television – from soap operas to reality shows and hosting gigs.
Ryan’s history with the TV show Coronation Street keeps him connected to Manchester, and now Love Islander Scott has also made the city his home, launching his own PR company, The Social PR.
Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! His twin brother, Adam, actually tried to get into the restaurant business too, investing in this place called The Spinn in Manchester back in 2019. It’s just… heartbreaking. It did okay at first, but after three years, it just spiraled. They ended up with around £300,000 in debt! Poor Adam had no choice but to shut it down. It’s just awful to think about!
In 2019, ITV sent the three of them to India to learn about their family history. The experience became a heartwarming six-episode series called ‘Mancs in Mumbai,’ which proved popular with audiences and helped raise their profile.
However, people familiar with the situation have shared that while they appear very friendly on TV, it’s all part of the act. They’re attractive and strategically present themselves well, and a few years ago, they even joined a major talent agency hoping to become famous.
However, these individuals are often quite driven in their personal lives and can come across as entitled when they’re out in public. Their arrival at places like bars or restaurants frequently causes a scene.
The three brothers are all living just outside the city now, and they recently started creating content together. They launched a podcast, a YouTube channel, and share accounts on social media.
Ryan’s daughter, Scarlett, who is 17, is starting to gain online attention, suggesting the family’s presence in television, connected to Manchester, may continue with the next generation.
Callum Jones
Callum Jones, who appeared on Love Island in 2020, went back to his hometown of Manchester and has continued to work as a social media influencer there.
He’s not getting as much media attention lately, but people still know who he is, and his active life in the city keeps him connected to Manchester’s social scene.
He’s now pursuing a career as a chef, a path taken by several other guys from the show Love Island. He is currently dating model Myna Amor, who is from Manchester.
Callum Jones and Molly Smith, who both appeared on Love Island, dated for a while after the show. They were often seen together in Manchester, but they split up in 2023.
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2025-12-23 15:38