Tag: Shows

Sophie Ellis-Bextor in Blackpool

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, celebrated for her sophisticated pop sound and striking stage persona, delivered an unforgettable performance of her hit Murder on the Dancefloor at Roxy’s Nightclub in Blackpool on 17 November 2013. This exclusive event served as the after-party for the Strictly Come Dancing live broadcast, which had enchanted audiences earlier that evening from the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The glamorous venue provided the perfect stage for Ellis-Bextor’s infectious energy, as fans danced the night away to her iconic tune, adding a touch of star-studded flair to the festive atmosphere. Fast forward ten years, and Ellis-Bextor returned to Blackpool in… Read more »

Ian Anderson MBE Launches Jethro Tull

Ian Scott Anderson, born on 10 August 1947 in Dunfermline, Scotland, is best known as the singer, flautist, acoustic guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member of the rock band Jethro Tull. Anderson’s early life was shaped by his father’s work at the RSA Boiler Fluid Company in East Port, Dunfermline. The family moved to Edinburgh when he was young, and later to Blackpool in 1959, where he attended Blackpool Grammar School. Anderson’s rebellious nature came to the forefront during his school years—he was reportedly asked to leave for refusing to submit to corporal punishment, which was still common practice… Read more »

Raine Davison in Emmerdale

Raine Davison, born on 25 January 1984 in Blackpool, is an actress best known for her roles in Emmerdale (2001–2002), Cutting It (2002), and Holby City (1999). She attended Arnold School in Blackpool before embarking on her acting career. In 2002, at the age of 18, she landed the lead role in the festive pantomime Cinderella at the Preston Guild Hall. She mentioned in interviews that she was excited for the opening night and had been preparing by taking singing lessons and rehearsing her lines. Raine had previously only done school theatre work, so this was a significant step in… Read more »

Janet Munro’s US TV Debut – Hollywood Actress Born in Blackpool

Janet Neilson Horsburgh, born on 28 September 1934 in Blackpool, was the daughter of Scottish comedian Alex Munro (real name Alexander Neilson Horsburgh) and Phyllis Robertshaw. Janet adopted her father’s stage name professionally and grew up in a showbiz environment, frequently appearing alongside him on stage. Her mother passed away when Janet was just seven years old, after which she was initially raised by her father. At the age of ten, she moved to the village of Embsay to live with her aunt and uncle for a while. Following her father’s remarriage, Janet returned to live with him and her… Read more »

Zoe Ball’s Hardest Ride Home

Zoe Louise Ball, born on 23 November 1970 in Blackpool, is a renowned broadcaster and presenter celebrated for her pioneering roles on BBC Radio. Raised in Hounslow until 1978, her family relocated to Farnham Common in Buckinghamshire, where she attended Farnham Common First School, Middle School, and later Holy Cross Convent School in Chalfont St Peter. Ball completed a “City & Guilds in radio and journalism” at Amersham College of Art and Technology. She is the daughter of iconic children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball and Julia (née Anderson). Following her parents’ divorce when she was two, Zoe was raised by… Read more »

Tony Prosser’s Realtime Dream

Tony’s deep passion for computer graphics and animation inspired him to establish RealtimeUK in 1996, with the vision of creating a leading creative studio—a dream he has successfully realised. His journey began during his studies in Technical Illustration at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where he discovered his love for computer graphics. Motivated by this newfound interest, Tony dedicated his focus to CGI, eventually graduating and taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship with a £4,000 loan from his mother. He wasn’t alone in this venture; Steve Kerswell and Jon Clayton, fellow graduates from the same Technical Illustration course, joined him… Read more »

Syd Little of Little and Large

Syd Little, born Cyril John Mead on 19 December 1942 in Blackpool and raised in Manchester, is a renowned British comedian, famed as the straight man in the comedy duo Little and Large alongside Eddie Large. Educated at Yew Tree Secondary Modern School in Wythenshawe, Little initially worked as an interior decorator while performing as a singer and guitarist in Manchester pubs. It was during these gigs that he teamed up with Eddie Large, forming a partnership that began as Cyril Mead and Friend and later became Mead and McGinnis. Their rebranding to Little and Large cemented their place in… Read more »

Hayley Tamaddon in Coronation Street

Hayley Soraya Tamaddon, an accomplished actress and performer, is best known for her roles in the ITV soap operas Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Born on January 24, 1977, in Bispham, Blackpool, to an Iranian father and English mother, she grew up in a vibrant cultural environment that inspired her creative pursuits. Tamaddon attended Montgomery High School in Blackpool and honed her skills in dance at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks and Laine Theatre Arts, laying the foundation for her versatile career. Tamaddon gained significant recognition in Emmerdale as Delilah “Del” Dingle, a role she played from 2005 to 2007. Her tenure on… Read more »

Pauline Moran in Agatha Christie’s Poirot

Pauline Moran is best known for her portrayal of Miss Felicity Lemon in the beloved British television series Agatha Christie’s Poirot, which aired from 1989 to 2013. The show, based on Agatha Christie’s famous detective novels, followed the meticulous and intelligent Hercule Poirot, played by David Suchet, as he solved intricate mysteries across Europe. Moran’s role as Miss Lemon, Poirot’s capable and no-nonsense secretary, became a cornerstone of the series. Her character was responsible for the administrative tasks that allowed Poirot to focus on his investigations, and her calm, efficient presence was integral to the detective’s team. Moran’s portrayal of… Read more »

Pauline Moran in The She Trinity

Pauline Moran, born on 26 August 1947 in Blackpool, is an actress, presenter, and astrologer, best known for portraying Miss Felicity Lemon in the long-running British television series Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Moran’s acting career spans several decades, and she has built a reputation as a talented stage performer, though her film and television appearances are also noteworthy. She trained at prestigious institutions, including the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), preparing for a successful career in the performing arts. In addition to her acting work, Moran is a professional astrologer, having practiced since 1987, blending… Read more »