The North East is home to many a celebrity, but we also sometimes see some more famous faces visiting the region. Here are some famous faces that have been spotted in the North East in 2023.

Have you ever spotted a celebrity? Perhaps you've been out running errands and seen a famous face walking towards you, or maybe they've walked into your business before.

Love them or hate them, celebrities and public figures are easily recognisable and can get people very excited if they manage to meet one themselves.

Here's a list of just a few of the celebrities and public figures that have been spotted in the North East in 2023.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

February 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was spotted with Darlington MP Peter Gibson in the town centre at the beginning of the year grabbing some doughnuts from Harry's in town.

The Northern Echo: Darlington MP Peter Gibson and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.Darlington MP Peter Gibson and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss and Jacob Rees-Mogg

February 2023

Customers at one coffee shop in Northumberland got a shock in February when Liz Truss and fellow Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg showed up for a casual morning beverage.

The pair were snapped at Blagdon coffee shop where excited locals were seen shaking their hands and making conversation.

The Northern Echo: Those that grabbed their usual weekend latte or americano at Blacksmiths Coffee Shop on Milkhope Centre, Blagdon, might have seen the politicians pull up outside the venue this morning.Those that grabbed their usual weekend latte or americano at Blacksmiths Coffee Shop on Milkhope Centre, Blagdon, might have seen the politicians pull up outside the venue this morning. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Tyson Fury

March 2023

Heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury was snapped at Acklam Car Centre in Middlesbrough in March after picking up the keys to his new vehicle.

After Acklam Car Centre posted on their social media pages 'the champ has been in town', it prompted an excited reaction online from people who live in Teesside and beyond.

The Northern Echo: Tyson Fury at Acklam Car Centre.Tyson Fury at Acklam Car Centre. (Image: Acklam Car Centre)

Brenda Blethyn

August 2023

Redcar seafront was taken over by ITV's Vera crew and Brenda Blethyn herself in summer as they filmed for the shows 13th series.

Pictures also showed the star getting out of her iconic Land Rover Defender as camera crews bustled around the area.

The Northern Echo: Brenda Blethyn.Brenda Blethyn. (Image: KEVIN MILNER)

Gok Wan

September 2023

Gok Wan was pictured with smiling and excited staff from Babuls in Darlington in September.

Gok performed a DJ set in Yarm the following evening.

The Northern Echo: Gok Wan with staff at Babuls Darlington.Gok Wan with staff at Babuls Darlington. (Image: a)

Roy 'Chubby' Brown

September 2023

Royston Vasey, better known by his stage name Roy 'Chubby' Brown, was seen posing with staff at The Old Farmhouse pub in Darlington on September 20.

The Northern Echo: Roy 'Chubby' Brown.Roy 'Chubby' Brown. (Image: a)

Toby Jones

October 2023

Award-winning actor Toby Jones took staff in Spice Lounge, Durham by surprise in October when he popped in for a meal.

It's understood that the actor was visiting County Durham during his capacity to take part in the Durham Book Festival which took place in the city that weekend.

The Northern Echo: Toby Jones at Spice Lounge.Toby Jones at Spice Lounge. (Image: a)

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