These are the famous faces who may not have been born in Liverpool but have earned a place in the city’s story
Sheridan Smith as Cilla in the acclaimed ITV mini-series(Image: ©ITV)
Liverpool has always had a habit of taking people in. It is a city where belonging is often about more than where you were born. It is about the connections you build, the affection you show and the way the city’s people embrace you in return.
For generations people from across the world have arrived here and found something that makes them want to stay whether it is the music, the football, the humour, the culture or simply the warmth of the people who call the city home.
Being Scouse has never been just about a postcode or a birthplace. For many, it is about identity, belonging, and the connection you build with the city and its people. Liverpool has a proud tradition of embracing those who understand its spirit, share its values and become part of its story.
From football heroes and music legends to TV personalities and creative stars, these are the famous faces who may not have been born in Liverpool but have earned a place in the city’s story.
Sheridan Smith
Sheridan Smith at the premiere of Bolan’s Shoes at Liverpool’s FACT(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Born in Lincolnshire, Sheridan Smith has become a familiar and much-loved face among Liverpool audiences.
A hugely successful actress and performer, Sheridan’s warmth, humour and down-to-earth personality have helped her build a strong connection with people across Merseyside.
Her links to the city stem from her acclaimed 2014 portrayal of the city’s icon, Cilla Black, in the hit ITV drama Cilla and her starring role in the BBC crime thriller The Cage.
Liverpool has always embraced performers who feel genuine, and Sheridan has that quality in abundance.
Ricky Ross
On The Waterfront concert as Deacon Blue perform at the Pier Head, Liverpool
When Deacon Blue announces a Liverpool gig, there’s always a scramble for tickets. The Deacon Blue frontman was born in Dundee, but his love of music has always connected him with Liverpool’s legendary cultural heritage.
Ross is known to frequently honour the city during his shows, including paying tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.
Stacey Dooley
Stacey Dooley(Image: Stacey Dooley Instagram)
Born in Luton, Stacey Dooley has built a relationship with Liverpool after moving here in 2023 with her partner, Kevin Clifton, and their daughter, Minnie, to be closer to her mother, who is from Merseyside. Since relocating, Dooley has fully embraced the city, frequently wearing its colors, being spotted filming for documentaries and proudly declaring herself an “honorary Scouser”.
Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg performs at HMP Liverpool
The singer-songwriter from Essex has long shared many of the values associated with the Liverpool community such as social justice and standing up for ordinary people.
Through his music and activism, Bragg has often found common ground with a city known for its strong sense of identity and its proud history of campaigning.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow(Image: PA)
The veteran broadcaster’s Liverpool connection began during his student days at the University of Liverpool before he was expelled for protesting.
The journalist and face of Channel 4 news was famously rusticated for his part in a rooftop demonstration and student occupation of Senate House in 1970 against the university’s investments in apartheid-era South Africa.
His time in the city helped shape his early life and career and he has retained a long-standing affection for Liverpool and its people.
Jan Molby
Jan Molby spoke to the ECHO’s Ryan Paton in an exclusive interview(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Few footballers have been embraced by Liverpool quite like Jan Molby. The Danish midfielder arrived at Liverpool FC in 1984 and became a key figure during one of the club’s greatest eras.
His skill, personality and loyalty turned him from an overseas signing into a genuine Kop favourite and a player many fans still regard as an honorary Scouser.
Jürgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
When Klopp arrived from Germany in 2015, he quickly understood what Liverpool meant to its people.
The former Liverpool manager’s passion, humour and emotional connection with supporters made him feel like one of our own.
After delivering the Champions League and the club’s first Premier League title, Klopp became permanently woven into Liverpool’s fabric.
Rafa Benítez
Rafa Benitez celebrates the European Cup win in Istanbul 2005(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Rafa Benítez’s bond with Liverpool was built on unforgettable football moments and a genuine affection for the city.
His greatest achievement came in Istanbul in 2005 when he led Liverpool to one of the most dramatic Champions League victories in history.
But his relationship with the city went beyond trophies with fans appreciating the connection he developed with Liverpool and its people.
The Vivienne
The Vivienne during a photo call for Dancing On Ice 2023(Image: PA)
Born in North Wales, The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) became one of Liverpool’s great creative success stories. Before winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they built their career in Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and performance scene.
The city played a major role in shaping the performer they became and they always spoke proudly about their Liverpool roots.
Even as they ascended to become one of the UK’s most celebrated drag talents, following in the footsteps of Paul O’Grady’s Lily Savage, they never forgot their roots. The artist always reminded you of their humble beginnings on Stanley Street.
Helen Flanagan
Helen Flanagan at the O2 Arena in London (Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Born in Bury, Helen Flanagan became a household name through her role as Rosie Webster in Coronation Street.
Her years working on the show connected her with millions of viewers across the North West including many in Merseyside. Through television, she became a familiar face associated with the region.
Helen has also openly shared her admiration for Scouse culture, fashion, and glamour. The Coronation Street star is often in Merseyside with posts on her social media page dominated by visits to Formby Beach, the Municipal Hotel and the Ivy on Castle Street.
She’s also a regular at Aintree Races and insisted it be written into her contract for an upcoming role that she has the day off on April 9 to attend the Ladies’ Day meeting at the Grand National.
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello performs onstage during The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit presented by CHANEL at MoMA on November 12, 2025 in New York City(Image: Getty Images for The Museum of M)
Born in London, Elvis Costello has strong Liverpool family and musical links.
His mother, Lillian, grew up off Smithdown Road, and his childhood was split between Merseyside and London. He even completed his education at Liverpool’s St. Francis Xavier’s College.
His mum and dad, Ross MacManus, met during chats at famed music shop Rushworths.
His lifelong, passionate support for Liverpool FC began in his youth, when his parents gave him the choice between Everton and Liverpool by taking him to games for both. A 5-0 victory for Liverpool ultimately cemented his lifelong allegiance to the Reds.
Elvis credits growing up in our region for shaping his musical outlook praising his connection to Liverpool.
Séamus Coleman
Seamus Coleman acknowledges the fans with his family during the Premier League match between Everton and Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 17, 2026(Image: Getty Images)
The Republic of Ireland defender arrived at Everton from Killybegs in Ireland and went on to become one of the club’s most respected modern figures.
His commitment, professionalism and longevity made him a favourite at Goodison Park and earned him a special place among Everton supporters.
For many fans, Coleman became far more than a footballer; he became part of the Everton family.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa performs onstage during her Radical Optimism tour at Anfield on June 25, 2025 (Image: Photo by Katja Ogrin/Getty Images)
The international pop star is loved by Scousers after her 2018 hit “One Kiss” became the unofficial, iconic anthem for Liverpool FC.
The viral moment began at the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in Kyiv. While performing the track, she was backed by traveling Liverpool supporters. Since then, it has become customary for Reds fans to belt out “One Kiss” after every major cup final victory and trophy parade.
She has also performed for Liverpool audiences at both Anfield Stadium and the M&S Bank Arena.
Have we missed an adopted Scousers from our list? Let us know in the comments below who you think deserves a mention.