Eight famous faces with connections to Suffolk including Busted's Charlie Simpson and Peaky Blinder's Sam Claflin

Suffolk is perhaps most famous for its history, art and sprawling coastline, but you may not know several high profile people have links to the county.

Whether they were born here, grew up here or just spent time in the area, Suffolk is a common retreat for famous faces in music, film and TV alike.

Here are eight famous people and their connections to our home county...

Charlie Simpson

Charlie Simpson, who shot to fame as one third of the 2000s boyband Busted, was born in Woodbridge and grew up in the Ipswich area.

Coming from a musical family, the 37-year-old star attended Framlingham College's prep school Brandeston Hall before later moving to Uppingham School in Rutland.

After leaving Busted in 2005, Charlie Simpson put together and released a compilation album called The Suffolk Explosion, which showcased a number of unsigned bands from the county.

He now has two children and a successful solo career.

Brian Eno

Brian Eno, musician, composer, record producer and visual artist who collaborated with the likes of David Bowie and David Byrne, was born in the village of Melton.

He went to St Joseph's College in Ipswich and later attended the Ipswich School of Art.

The artist joined his first music group called the Black Aces, a four-piece that consisted of him and three friends he met at youth club in Melton, in 1964.

He has been called one of popular music's most influential figures and worked with artists like, U2, Coldplay and Damon Albarn.

Jack Bruce

Cream bassist Jack Bruce was born and raised in Scotland, but he died aged 71 in Sudbury.

Branded a 'tremendous inspiration' by fellow bandmate Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce had a long career in music which started in the early 1960s.

He died of liver disease on October 25, 2014, in Sudbury and a funeral was held for him in London the following month.

Glenn Howerton

American actor Glenn Howerton, who is perhaps best-known for his role as Dennis Reynolds in comedy show It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, lived in Felixstowe for a time when he was a child.

Born in Japan, he moved around the world a lot in his youth and lived on the Suffolk coast for four years, which he confirmed on twitter in 2018.

He has starred in a range of shows including The Mindy Project, FX's Fargo and the new HBO Max series Velma, where he plays Fred.

Karl Theobald

Another famous face from the Suffolk coastline is Karl Theobald, who plays Landlord in Plebs.

He grew up in Lowestoft where he studied at The Denes High School.

He formed a double act with Russell Brand during the 90s called Theobald and Brand on Ice, and later went on to star in Get Him to the Greek alongside him.

Isabella Summers

Isabella Summers, also known as Isa Machine, is a founding member of indie band Florence and the Machine and moved to Aldeburgh when she was nine.

The 42-year-old went to Woodbridge School where she grew a keen interest in music.

She has writing and producing credits in Florence and the Machine's first three albums, and has written, produced and remixed tracks for the likes of Beyonce and Rita Ora.

Richard Curtis

Retired screenwriter, producer and film director Richard Curtis reportedly owns a home in Walberswick.

The 66-year-old is best known for his romantic comedy films including Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary.

Last year, a home in The Street was destroyed by fire and MailOnline reported this belonged to Richard.

Sam Claflin

Peaky Blinders and Me Before You star Sam Claflin was born in Ipswich and grew up in Norwich.

He broke onto the acting scene in 2011 when he was cast in Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides.

He has also appeared in The Hunger Games, Love Rosie, Journey's End and Enola Holmes.