With its rolling countryside and city links, it’s no surprise that Buckinghamshire has drawn its fair share of celebrity tenants.
While stars of all stripes have come and gone from parts of the county over the last few decades, how many big names do you know that still live on your doorstep?
Read below to find out which celebs are most likely to be roaming around your local area.
Ricky Gervais
(Image: Anita Ross Marshall)
The Reading-born comedian best known for creating and starring in The Office bought a riverside home in Marlow that he calls his "country retreat" in 2016.
He was refused planning permission to extend the property last year and may live in his £7 million property in Hampstead for most of the year, but we can't think of many better places for an escape to the countryside than Thames-side in Marlow.
Shakin' Stevens
(Image: NQ archive)
Real name Michael Barrett, Shakin' Stevens is best known for his festive classic Merry Christmas Everyone - and he's also lived full-time in Marlow for over a decade.
Speaking to the Free Press in 2020, Barrett described the town as “a lovely place to be”.
Adding: “You’re spoiled for shops and restaurants, and if you want to go outside of Marlow, you can because (there’s so much) within driving distance. We like it very, very much.”
Cheryl Cole
(Image: NQ archive)
The former X Factor judge and member of early-oughts pop band Girls Aloud bought a home in Chalfont St Peter with then-partner Liam Payne in 2019 and has reportedly lived there ever since.
Tess Daly and Vernon Kay
(Image: PA)
Celebrity couple Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, both mainstays of the UK’s radio and TV hosting circuit, moved to South Buckinghamshire in the mid-00s and told the Free Press back in 2015 that it was a welcomed relief from the “hustle and bustle” of nearby London.
The pair, who live in Beaconsfield, also praised the area’s strong sense of community and family-friendly attractions including Odds Farm Park and the Bekonscot Model Village.
Peter Jones
(Image: NQ archive)
Berkshire-born entrepreneur and ‘dragon’ Peter Jones is also among the famous faces who have chosen to make Buckinghamshire their home.
After growing up across the border in Maidenhead, the Dragon’s Den star now lives in Beaconsfield with his wife Tara Capp - which meant he didn't have to travel far to turn on Marlow's Christmas lights back in 2022.
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne
(Image: PA)
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne made headlines last year after announcing a return to the UK following a renovation to their home in the village of Jordans, near Beaconsfield, and Ozzy’s health complications.
Speaking on the BBC’s Women’s Hour podcast in November, Sharon said she was ready for “small town” living, with Ozzy “looking forward to being able to walk around and pursue his hobbies without being bothered”.
Liam Payne
(Image: PA)
The ex-One Direction member seemingly can’t get enough of the Chalfonts – after putting down roots with ex Cheryl five years ago, Liam Payne reportedly still rents a mansion in the leafy village to be close to the pair’s son Bear.
Tom Kerridge
(Image: NQ archive)
Last but not least, it’s no secret that Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge calls Marlow his home – if it was, a quick stroll down West or Spittal Street would quickly dispel any illusions.
Kerridge was born and raised in Gloucestershire but relocated to Marlow in the 2000s and opened his first pub The Hand and Flowers alongside his wife Beth in the town in 2005.
In 2012, it became the first pub in the world to be awarded two Michelin stars and the TV personality has since opened two other restaurants in Marlow – The Coach and The Butcher’s Tap and Grill – and founded the popular food and music festival Pub in the Park.
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