The holiday resort of Torquay in Devon has been popular with visitors since the Victorian era. People are attracted by its mild climate, sandy beaches and excellent tourist attractions. While many people will have heard of the resort, not so many people will be familiar with the celebrities past and present who were born in the town. Here is a collection of 5 of the best known people who can claim their roots in Torquay.

Agatha Christie

Probably the most famous daughter of Torquay, Agatha Christie is well known for the plays and novels she wrote. Although she died in 1976, her books continue to be published and have been translated into over 100 different languages. She is considered the bestselling novelist of all time with sales estimated to be between 2 and 4 billion copies. Her most famous characters are the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and the crime solving elderly lady Miss Marple. Her Greenaway Estate near Torquay is now owned by the National Trust and open to tourists.

Lauren Pope

Best known for her role on popular TV reality show ‘The Only Way is Essex’, Lauren was in fact born and brought up in Torquay. She started her career as a glamour model and DJ on the club circuit, gaining notoriety for DJing at many top celebrity parties. She proved that she was more than just a pretty face when she appeared on entrepreneurial show ‘Tycoon’ on ITV1. Lauren went into a business partnership with the show’s host Peter Jones (of Dragon’s Den fame) to produce and distribute her own brand of hair extensions.

Peter Cook

The influential comedian and satirist was born in Torquay in November 1937. He was a pioneer in the early 60s satire boom before finding widespread fame for his collaborations with Dudley More. Their ‘Pete and Dud’ characters appeared in a number of popular shows, the two actors also appeared in a several feature films together. He sadly died in 1995 but 10 years after his death, he was ranked number one in “The Comedian’s Comedian” a poll of over 300 well known comedians, writers and directors throughout the English speaking world.

Miranda Hart

Actress, writer and comedienne, currently starring in the hit BBC comedy ‘Miranda’ which she writes and stars in. Born in Torquay in December 1972, she has achieved stardom relatively late in life. Earlier TV work included roles in French and Saunders, Hyperdrive, Not Going Out and The Vicar of Dibley. It was not until 2009 that her eponymous show was released to widespread commercial and critical success. She won the comedy performance prize at the 2009 & 2010 Royal Television Society Awards, in December 2011 she also won the Best TV Comedy Actress at the 22nd British Comedy Awards.

Lilly Cole

The youngest person in this list, model and actress Lily was born in Torquay in May 1988. Her modelling career started by chance when she was spotted at the age of just 14. She has featured on the catwalk and in many high profile publications and advertising campaigns. She started acting in the feature film ‘St Trinnians’ and has appeared in a number of feature films since. Not content with a successful modelling and acting career, in 2011 she achieved a double first in History of Art from the University of Cambridge.