Foster Care Fortnight Day 10: UK Celebrities Who Grew Up in Foster Care
At Beacon Fostering, we know that growing up in foster care can present enormous challenges – but we also know it can be the beginning of a story filled with resilience, hope, and achievement. Across the UK, a number of well-known figures have risen to success after spending time in the care system.
These celebrities prove that no matter where you start in life, with the right support and determination, anything is possible. Their journeys remind us all why fostering matters – and why every child deserves someone in their corner.
🌟 1. Lemn Sissay – Poet and Cultural Icon
Born in Wigan and fostered until the age of 12, Lemn Sissay was then moved between children’s homes. His powerful poetry and activism are deeply influenced by his experience in care. Today, he is a BAFTA-nominated writer, former Chancellor of the University of Manchester, and an MBE recipient for services to literature and charity.
🌟 2. Ashley John-Baptiste – BBC Journalist and Presenter
Ashley spent his childhood in foster care and multiple homes. Against the odds, he went on to study at Cambridge University. Today, he’s a familiar face on BBC documentaries and a vocal advocate for care-experienced young people, regularly speaking about social mobility and breaking the cycle.
🌟 3. Rio Ferdinand – Football Legend
The former England and Manchester United defender has shared that he spent time in local authority care during his youth. Despite the instability of his early years, Rio became an England international and now works to raise awareness around mental health, bereavement, and youth support.
🌟 4. Neil Morrissey – Actor and Voice of Bob the Builder
Morrissey was placed in care at age 10 and raised in a Staffordshire children’s home. He has often reflected on how his time in care shaped him – and how the system can both support and fail vulnerable children. His successful career spans comedy, voice acting, and stage.
🌟 5. Jeannette Winterson – Acclaimed Author
Adopted after spending time in the care system, Winterson’s upbringing was strict and difficult. Her groundbreaking novel Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit mirrors aspects of her life, and her literary contributions have earned her a CBE and a place among the UK’s top writers.
🌟 6. Lorraine Pascale – TV Chef and Former Model
Lorraine Pascale entered foster care shortly after birth and was adopted at 18 months, before later re-entering care. Despite these early struggles, she went on to have a successful career as a model, followed by fame as a TV chef and author. Her story is a testament to resilience and reinvention.
🌟 7. Paul Barber – Actor (Only Fools and Horses, The Full Monty)
Paul Barber grew up in foster care and a series of children’s homes after the death of his parents. Despite his early hardships, he became a beloved British actor, known for his role as Denzil in Only Fools and Horses and Horse in The Full Monty. He often speaks openly about the long-term effects of care – and the healing power of creative expression.
🌟 8. Jennette Arnold OBE – Former London Assembly Member
Born in Montserrat and raised in the UK care system, Jennette Arnold became a trailblazing political figure and passionate advocate for equality, youth, and education. She served on the London Assembly from 2000 to 2021 and held the role of Chair multiple times.
🌟 9. Chris Wild – Author and Former Children’s Home Resident
Though not as famous in mainstream media, Chris Wild has become a key voice in care advocacy. After growing up in children’s homes in Yorkshire, he became a successful author and campaigner, highlighting the issues within the care system and calling for urgent reforms.
🌟 10. Antony Worrall Thompson – Celebrity Chef
The celebrity chef has revealed that he spent part of his childhood in foster care after his parents’ divorce. He later went on to become a staple of British TV cooking shows and ran successful restaurants throughout the UK.
💬 Why These Stories Matter
These individuals did not let a difficult start define them. Their success is not just a result of personal talent – it’s also a reminder of what’s possible when young people are given support, opportunity, and someone to believe in them.
At Beacon Fostering, we believe that every child in care deserves to be seen, heard, and nurtured. Fostering is more than just providing a home – it’s offering stability, encouragement, and a belief in a brighter future.