7 of the biggest celebrities spotted in Suffolk in 2023

Here are some of the biggest stars that were spotted this year.

1. Elton John (and Ed Sheeran)

Elton John and Ed Sheeran were spotted at an Ipswich match together (Image: Steve Waller)

Ed Sheeran was spotted enjoying Ipswich Town playing Watford with pop legend Sir Elton John on Tuesday, December 12.

Sir Elton, a Watford fan and former owner of the Hornets, watched the match from the director's box.

The Shape of You singer said: "I sat next to Elton today and he didn't like it."

2. Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch was seen in Woodbridge in the summer (Image: PA Media)

Fans of Doctor Strange or Sherlock may have spotted the famous face of Benedict Cumberbatch when he paid a visit to Woodbridge on July 9 this year.

He went to The Galley in Woodbridge where he tried some of the shop's black garlic and charcoal ice cream. 

According to the owner, Ugar Vata, the actor "is a real ice-cream lover and has lots of knowledge". 

3. Leah Williamson and Beth Mead

Leah Williamson and Beth Mead have visited Suffolk this year (Image: PA)

Leah Williamson and Beth Mead enjoyed a trip to Wilderness Reserve near Saxmundham, alongside Arsenal teammates Jen Beattie and Vivianne Miedema. 

The group shared their experience of visiting the east Suffolk countryside by posting short clips and images on their Instagram pages.

A host of famous faces have visited Wilderness Reserve include Girls Aloud singer Cheryl and Jack Whitehall.

4. Joanna Lumley

Joanna Lumley led the all-star line-up at Happy Christmas 4 in Ipswich (Image: www.jhreportage.co.uk)

Dame Joanna Lumley led the lineup of celebrities at a charity comedy Christmas show in Ipswich this year alongside stars Griff Rhys Jones and Rob Brydon. 

More than £130,000 was raised for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices during the event.

5. Jade Thirlwall

Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix was spotted having a break in Suffolk (Image: PA)

The famous singer was seen at Wilderness Reserve near Saxmundham alongside her partner, Rizzle Kicks singer Jordan Stephens, and her family. 

The 30-year-old shared pictures of the holiday with her 10.6million Instagram followers.

6. Rick Stein

Rick Stein was spotted in Southwold this year (Image: Loaded Southwold)

Celebrity chef Rick Stein paid a visit to the Suffolk coast as part of a show believed to have been filmed in the area.

Emma Barber, who opened Loaded Southwold in December last year, said: "I was glad that I cooked his food before I realised who it was!"

The 76-year-old chef was seen in mid-June.

7. Thomas Skinner

Thomas Skinner pitched up at Bury St Edmunds market this year (Image: Thomas Skinner)

Thomas Skinner rose to fame after competing in the fifteenth series of The Apprentice and is well-known for his catchphrase: "Bosh!"

He pitched up a market stall at Bury St Edmunds market on August 30 and was spotted again at the Sudbury market the following day.