Did you know Sussex is home to Hollywood stars, homegrown talent and is a favourite spot for the rich and famous to stay and shop?

Cheers! We’ve rounded up the famous faces spotted in our beautiful county;

Cate Blanchett

The Australian actress has called Sussex home on and off for 20 years, having previously owned a property in Kemptown, Brighton before buying a derelict mansion called Highwell House near Crowborough in 2015. The Nightmare Alley star spent lockdown home-schooling her children from the seven bedroom country pile, that was once home to Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Doctor Who actor Tom Baker. Sitting within 13-acres of secluded grounds, the sprawling mansion can reportedly be found off a quiet country lane via imposing wrought iron gates. It’s claimed she has recently also bought an additional farmhouse and land of around 100acres nearby to extend her grounds.

Nigella Lawson

The sexy chef spent the night in Brighton just before Xmas after a show at the Dome where she chatted about her latest book Cook, Eat, Repeat. She took to Instagram afterwards to share her love for Sussex food brands including bread from Flourpot Bakery and cheeses including her faves Brighton Blue and Sussex Charmer.

Hugh Bonneville

He might be best known for playing an Earl in Downton, but did you know Hugh Bonneville lives in Midhurst? He’s no recluse either as last year he volunteered at the local vaccine centre to give something back to the community he loves. He posted a selfie at the time, with fellow star comedian John Bishop (above), who got his jab at the clinic. Hugh also gave a shout out to local businesses including Cowdray Estate who provided gourmet snacks for volunteers.

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man

The gravelling voiced singer is Sussex born and bred having grown up in Uckfield. Rag ‘n ‘Bone Man, (real name is Rory Charles Graham), attended King’s Academy, Ringmer before getting *ahem* expelled. The Brit award winner now lives in Brighton.

Zoe Ball

Long time Sussex resident Zoe famously lived for many years with ex-husband Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim in Brighton, before moving inland to Ditchling after their divorce. Now however Zoe shares a flashy pad in Lewes with her boyfriend and daughter which they are renovating. The Radio 2 star’s home is reported to have a tennis court and swimming pool and a large vegetable patch which the pair love tending to. Rock ‘n’ Roll! The presenter has also recently been spotted walking round Wakehurst, one of Muddy’s favourite Sussex spots.

Norman Cook

Zoe’s ex Norman owns the Big Beach Cafe in Hove, formerly a vegan cafe owned by Heather Mills. The star can often be seen helping and claimed he loved being busy during the pandemic when all his usual DJ work was cancelled. Muddy can personally vouch for the quality of his bagels as we sampled a delicious one served by the superstar DJ when we popped in.

Tom Cruise

The A-Lister has long had associations with Sussex and was at one time based at Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead, which is also the British headquarters of the Church of Scientology. The Mission Impossible star reportedly owned a property there which he sold to singer Peter Andre and was said to have spent much of lock-down in the sleepy town.

Piers Morgan

Piers divides him time between London and his large pad in Newick, East Sussex. The outspoken star spent lock-down in the Sussex countryside sharing images of his home office and large garden on Instagram (below). The journalist is often spotted in his local The Royal Oak, where he’s been a regular for 40 years and adores the village Indian claiming Newick Tandoori is the best curry in Sussex!

Other famous faces you might be lucky enough to spot include Kate Winslet who has a holiday home in West Wittering, Eddie Izzard in Bexhill and Sir Paul McCartney who lives outside the quiet rural village of Peasmarsh, near the border with Kent.

Have you spotted any famous faces in Sussex?