The Channel Islands are known for the white sand beaches, cliff-top walks, and wonderfully unhurried pace of island life that make it the perfect place for a summer break, or winter weekend. For those who call it home, it’s extra special, including these 5 people you might not know have history in the islands….
⭐ Julie Andrews ⭐
Dame Julie Andrews counts her spent time living in Alderney among a few of her favourite things! She described the island in glowing terms, calling it her paradise, and lived in her ‘hideaway’ cottage with her husband while expecting her first daughter. She still has family in Alderney and her belief that “when there is rain in England, you can count on the sun in Alderney” still holds true.
⭐ Dawn O’Porter ⭐
Writer, presenter and documentary-maker Dawn O’Porter spent her childhood in Guernsey, and she has often spoken fondly about growing up there. One of her novels, Paper Aeroplanes is based on her Guernsey upbringing, and she is a regular visitor back to the island, with trips to Herm an especial favourite and her husband, actor Chris O’Dowd, proposed at Havelet Bay.
⭐ Callum Osmand ⭐
Jersey-born footballer Callum Osmand is one of the islands’ exciting younger names to keep an eye on. Growing up in Jersey he played for local team Grouville, before moving on to Fulham and then Celtic. At 20 years old, he scored a decisive third goal in the Scottish Premiership final game, cheered on by a packed Soleil Pub in St. Helier, which has his shirt proudly on display.
⭐ Oliver Reed ⭐
Actor Oliver Reed spent more than 20 years living in Guernsey, becoming a familiar island figure as well as an international film star. It is one of those brilliant Channel Islands stories people always enjoy sharing, and he was ultimately barred from all the best island establishments including the Duke of Normandie Hotel, and the Peninsula Hotel. (Answers on a postcard if you can guess why!)
⭐ Henry Cavill ⭐
Born in St. Helier to a Jersey family of 5 boys, and attending school in St. Saviour, Henry has since gone onto play Superman, and star in Netflix’s The Witcher. He still supports Jersey Rugby Club, and with a committment to animal welfare, he has also supported the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
The Channel Islands have a real knack for leaving a lasting impression. We love sharing these little island stories which shine a light on a side of the Channel Islands that goes far beyond the postcards and is full of character, charm and personality 🏝️
