World Renowned Talent

Over the years Rossendale has turned out some world-renowned talent that can be seen in the sporting arena, on stage and on screen

Turning back the years, historically Rossendale became one of the hubs of the Industrial Revolution, and was known as the Golden Valley. It was also notable for its quarrying – Rossendale flagstone can be seen to this day in Trafalgar Square in London.

The area is also renowned as being the birthplace of present-day talent – did you know that super-model Agnes Deyn, former England football manager Phil Neville and British actress Jane Horrocks all came from Rossendale.

JANE HORROCKS
Probably most famous for her role as Bubble in Absolutely Fabulous, Jane Horrocks was born in Rawtenstall. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) with Imogen Stubbs and Ralph Fiennes and began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She went on to appear in numerous TV sitcoms, stage plays and films and was nominated for an Olivier Award Best Actress for the title role of the stage play the Rise and Fall of Little Voice and nominated for a Golden Globe and BAFTA for the film adaptation. Other films she has starred in include Chicken Run and Sunshine on Leith. More recently she has been the voice behind Little Princess a British children’s TV series.

PHIL NEVILLE
Born in Bury, Phil Neville is a former Manchester United player and England football manager. During his 10 years with United he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, three FA Charity Shields, the Intercontinental Cup and the Champions League. He went on to join Everton where he spent the final eight years of his playing career. Neville also played for England 59 times, representing the nation at three European Championships. A versatile player, he played in defence and midfield. After earning his UEFA Coaching Licence, Neville began his coaching career in 2012, working as a coach at United, and as assistant manager to his brother Gary at Valencia in La Liga.

AGNES DEYN
Born Laura Michelle Hollins, Deyn lived in Rossendale attending Rawtenstall Grammar School. Her working life started at a fish and chip shop in Stubbins, aged 13. Even at an early age she had an eye for style and by 17 she had already had her head shaved. She moved to London, working in a fast-food restaurant during the day and a bar at night. Her biography claims that she was spotted whilst shopping with childhood friend, fashion designer Henry Holland in Kentish Town. She went on to be signed with Select Model Management. In 2007 she was featured on the cover of American Vogue, as one of the world’s next top models. She has modelled for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Hermés, Dior, Lanvin, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, Moschino and Versace and appeared in advertisements for Dior, Burberry, Armani, Calvin Klein, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Adidas, and Reebok. She has also been the face of fragrances by Burberry and Jean Paul Gaultier.

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