From a Spice Girls legend to sports stars, there's a long list of talented people to come out of Watford over the years.

While many of the now-famous stars have moved away from the region, many still have strong connections to Watford and regularly appear in the town.

Here are some of the most famous celebrities you may not have known are from Watford.

The biggest celebrities from Watford

Geri Horner

Geri Horner (formerly Halliwell) might be better known as Ginger Spice one of the original members of the iconic Spice Girls.

Horner is a singer, songwriter, author, actress, and philanthropist and has over 85 million records sold worldwide with the Spice Girls.

It's well known that Horner is originally from Watford, and was born at  Watford General Hospital, she grew up on a council estate in North Watford and attended Watford Grammar School for Girls.

Anthony Joshua 

Another big star from Watford is British professional boxer, Anthony Joshua, OBE, and two-time heavyweight champion.

Joshua was born in Watford but went to school in Nigeria for some years until his parents divorced, then he moved to Hertfordshire where he attended Kings Langley School. 

The boxer still shows his love for the town, with Joshua recently in talks to invest in Watford Football Club, but it's not been confirmed whether the boxer has gone through with it yet.

Vinnie Jones

Actor, former professional footballer and now keen farmer, Vinnie Jones played as a midfielder from 1984 to 1999, notably for Chelsea and Wimbledon.

Jones later went on to act, recently appearing in Netflix's The Gentlemen along with Snatch, Mean Machine, She's the Man and many more.

Born and raised in Watford, Jones attended Bedmond Junior School.

Olajide Olatunji (KSI)

Olajide Olatunji is better known as Youtuber KSI, and is part of the Sidemen group as well as rapping, boxing and founding the brand Prime.

Olatunji was born and raised in Watford and he attended Berkhamsted School. However, he dropped out of sixth-form college to pursue his YouTube career once he was earning steady monthly revenue from his uploads. 

KSI built his following from posting gaming-commentary videos of the FIFA video game.

Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh is an actor, comedian, television presenter, singer and former professional footballer. He is best known for his roles as Danny Baldwin in Coronation Street and presenter of the gameshow The Chase.

A born and bred Watford boy, Walsh grew up near Watford, in Leavesden. He attended the Francis Combe Academy, a comprehensive school in Garston, Hertfordshire.

Walsh left school at 16 and got a job as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce's aircraft engine factory in Watford.

Gareth Southgate

Former England football manager Gareth Southgate OBE played as a defender or as a midfielder before becoming a manager.

Born in Watford, Southgate began his career at Crystal Palace, playing initially at right-back and then in central midfield. He became captain and led the club to the 1993–94 First Division title.

Robert Glenister

Actor and brother to Philip Glensiter, Robert was born in Watford unlike his fellow famous brother, known for Life on Mars, who was born in Harrow.

Robert has worked on a number of popular shows from Hustle, Sherwood, Strike, Sink or Swim, Spooks and many more.

Terry Scott

Terry Scott appeared in seven Carry On films and was also a comedian best known for appearing in the BBC1 sitcom Terry and June alongside June Whitfield.

Scott passed away in 1994, was born and brought up in Watford and attended Watford Field Junior School and Watford Grammar School for Boys.

Mary Portas

Mary Portas OBE is best known as a retail and fashion consultant who has appeared in many shows helping improve the high street.

The TV star has hosted a number of shows from Mary Queen of Shops, Mary Portas: Secret Shopper, Mary Queen of Charity Shops and Hotel GB.

Portas was born in Watford and grew up in a small end-of-terrace on Windsor Road in north Watford and attended Holy Rood Catholic Junior School.