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Bolton’s most popular celebs have been revealed in a new poll ranking how the UK public feels about a wide range of famous faces. More than 2,600 celebrities were ranked in the poll taken by YouGov in 2025 which they described as the “biggest and boldest attempt to quantify what Britain thinks”. They took an overall popularity ranking and also measured what each generation thought – including boomers, millennials and GenXers.
Sir Ian McKellen (Image: Matt Crossick/PA Wire) 1. Sir Ian McKellen The most popular celebrity of the borough is Sir Ian McKellen – a British icon so beloved he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. Sir Ian was born in Burnley, but moved to Bolton at the age of 12 in 1951.
The star attended Bolton School before beginning his acting career at Bolton Little Theatre. Ranked as Britain’s 20th most popular celebrity, the veteran actor enjoys universal praise among all demographics. 77 per cent of all Britons had a positive view of Sir Ian – 88 per cent of boomers, 85 per cent of genX and 75 per cent of millennials.
Peter Kay (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire/PA Images) 2. Peter Kay Bolton’s second most liked celeb is the Farnworth-born comedian Peter Kay, who ranked as the 63rd most popular across the UK. The Phoenix Nights creator’s return to touring has seen him skyrocket to become the highest-earning touring UK comedian in 2024.
Kay is viewed positively by 68 per cent of Britons – 78 per cent of boomers, 67 per cent of genX and 73 per cent of millennials. Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.mccaul@newsquest.
co.uk 3. Vernon Kay Presenter Vernon Kay ranks as the borough’s third most popular celebrity – placing 491st out of all the celebrities ranked.
Raised in Horwich, Kay started his career as a model before pivoting into the world of television – and then radio presenting. 48 per cent of Britons view Kay positively – with most of his popularity coming from genX. Kay is viewed positively by 35 per cent of boomers, 60 per cent of genX and 49 per cent of millennials.
Danny Boyle (Image: Ian West PA) 4. Danny Boyle Danny Boyle was born and raised in Radcliffe before he found fame as the director of films such as Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire. The director ranked as Bolton’s fourth most popular celebrity – ranked 500th overall.
Boyle was viewed positively by 48 per cent of Britons – 42 per cent of boomers, 57 per centof genX and 49 per cent of millennials. READ MORE: Celebrity stalking victims have confidence to report offenders, prosecutor says READ MORE: BBC Celebrity Traitors line-up 2025 ‘confirmed’ - full list READ MORE: E4's Celebs Go Dating fans react to new line-up reveal Paddy McGuinness (Image: Ian West/PA Wire) 5. Paddy McGuinness Last but not least – the fifth most popular Bolton celebrity is Farnworth-born presenter Paddy McGuinness.
Rising to fame alongside fellow comedian Peter Kay, who invited him to star in his shows That Peter Kay Thing and Phoenix Nights, McGuinness broke into his own as the presenter of Take Me Out. McGuiness ranked as the 573rd most popular celebrity being viewed positively by 46 per cent of Britons – 33 per cent of boomers, 54 per cent of genX and 54 per cent of millennials..
