Famous People From Colchester
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Blur
Colchester is famously the home town to Britpop group Blur. Damon Albarn, the group’s lead singer and guitarist Graham Coxon went to Stanway School. They formed Blur with Alex James and Dave Rowntree whilst studying together at Goldsmith’s College, London. Originally known as ‘Seymour’ they performed at venues across the town, later moving to London and changing their name to Blur in the process.

Jay Kay frontman of Jamiroquai
Jay Kay was born Jason Kay in Colchester in 1971. He attended Holmwood House Preparatory school from 1980-1983. Developing an enviable talent for performing, he was part of a school group that attended the Edinburgh Festival. In 1992 he formed the jazz-funk band Jamiroquai, signing an eight-album deal with Sony. In 1993, the band’s first album ‘Emergency on Planet Earth’ went straight into the charts at number one. Jay now enjoys superstar wealth, having an 11-bedroom country mansion set in 75 acres and 9 Ferrari cars.

Darren Day
The television and West End star was born in Colchester in 1968 and educated at Sir Charles Lucas School. On leaving school he became a semi-professional snooker player. His breakthrough into acting came in 1993 when he took over the lead role in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from Jason Donovan. He then went on to host the Children’s Royal Variety show and TV’s You Bet and Don’ Try this at home. He appeared in the first series of ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here! ’ and played the lead in the musical Summer Holiday. In autumn 2003 he again took the part of Joesph in the West End, taking over from Boyzone's Steven Gately.

Dermot O’ Leary
Born Sean Dermot Finton O’Leary in Colchester in 1973. After attending the Colchester 6th Form College, he gained a BA degree in Media & Television and worked as a DJ for BBC Radio Essex. His first TV job was as a runner. Dermot presented Channel 4’s youth programme T4 for two years, Big Brother’s Little Brother and Shattered amongst other prime time television such as Comic Relief. He currently presents BBC Radio 2's Saturday afternoon slot.