Lenny Henry | | Lenny Henry |
Dudley born Lenny Henry is a worldwide respected comedian and holder of a CBE. Lennys career spans almost thirty years and counting. Since his triumphant televisual debut in 1975, when he won the New Faces talent competition at the age of 18, his fame rocketed. From Saturday morning childrens show called Tiswas in 1978 - 1980 to the popular sketch show, Three of a Kind, alongside Tracey Ullman. By 1984, Lenny was ready for his own show. 'The Lenny Henry Show' ran for a decade, becoming hugely popular with audiences. A return to his stand-up roots followed, with Lenny embarking on the Live and Unleashed shows, bringing him to the attention of Hollywood. More shows followed including: The hugely successful BBC sitcom, Chef, Hope and Glory, where Lenny played a more serious role as a school teacher and his sketch show persona Lenny Henry in Pieces, in 2000. Lenny is also famous for being one of the founding figures of Comic Relief. He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including BBC British Personality of the Year and the Edric Connor Inspiration to Black People Award. Meera Syal  | | Meera Syal |
Meera was born and raised in Wolverhampton, her career so far has been both wide-ranging and distinguished. She first came to wide public attention as a writer/performer in BBC2's The Real McCoy, which she followed up with TV roles in Soldier Soldier, Drop the Dead Donkey, Band of Gold and Keeping Mum, and the films Sammy & Rosie Get Laid, and Beautiful Thing. In 1996, Meera began writing and performing in the multi-award winning Goodness Gracious Me. She then took major roles in BBC1's The Mrs Bradley Mysteries, In Deep, Bedtime, Fat Friends, BBC2's ratings winner The Kumars at Number 42 and played Rupinder in BBC1's All About Me with Jasper Carrott. Meera wrote the film 'Bhaji on the Beach' and the critically acclaimed, best-selling novels, 'Life Isn't All Ha Ha He He' and 'Anita and Me', (plus the screenplay for the film which was released on the big screen in 2002). Meera Syal was awarded an MBE in 1997 and won the 'Media Personality of the Year' award at the Commission for Racial Equality's annual 'Race in the Media' awards (2000). Ashley Blake
(Midlands Today)  | | Ashley Blake |
Now in his ninth year as a television journalist, he began his BBC career in Birmingham as the region's Arts and Entertainment Correspondent and news presenter, before working as a reporter for Watchdog. His first job was on a local cable TV show where he got his first taste of what hes doing now - as an entertainment reporter. Ashley was then drawn to the bright lights of London and became a reporter/presenter on London Today and London Tonight. After producing and presenting holiday reports from around the world, including Hong Kong, Turkey and Ireland, London Weekend Television offered him the chance to work on Dream Ticket, which combined his journalistic skills with his love of travelling. Ashley then became a reporter for Breakfast News but was still keen to return home. Ashley currently presents regional programmes Inside Out and Midlands Today.
Shazia Mirza
 | | Shazia Mirza |
Birmingham born comedian Shazia Mizra is the UK's most prolific and only female Muslim stand up. She started her professional stand-up career in September 2000, prior to that she studied Bio-Chemistry at university. She eventually became a science teacher at an East End comprehensive but gave up the day job in order to become a comedian full time. Shazia recently got her own radio show in London on ClubAsia AM. After appearing on BBC1's Have I Got News For You she became a regular commentator on BBC Radio Five Live. Shazia has also landed her first publishing deal and is currently writing a book. Alison Hammond
(Big Brother 2002 contestant)
 | | Alison Hammond |
Alison catapulted to fame in Summer 2002 Big Brother. Although only in the house a short time, Alison will always be remembered for her BIG personality and breaking the Big Brother garden furniture by standing on it. Since leaving the Big Brother house Alison has made several TV appearances. Dean O' Loughlin
(Big Brother 2001 contestant) Dean O' Loughlin is Birmingham's pride and joy after the second series of Big Brother. This cool thinker won the hearts of the nation with his charm, calming presence and sense of humour. According to the Big Brother website, Dean is "a creative thinker who loves football. Dean avoided early evictions and stayed in the Big Brother right up until the final night. He became the 3rd runner up. Nicholas Bailey -
(Dr Trueman from Eastenders)  | | Nicholas Bailey |
Nicholas started acting at primary school. At an early age his Mother enrolled him into the Old Birmingham Rep theatre school run on a Saturday. Nicholas then went onto drama school. After graduating, his first major role was in the National Youth Theatre playing Brutus in Julius Caesar. From there it was TV roles such as The Bill and film work including the feature film ID, a cult classic about football hooliganism. Before landing the role of Dr. Trueman, Nicholas's TV credits included Casualty, Coronation Street. Pogus Caesar  | | Pogus Caesar |
Pogus Caesar was born in St Kitts, West Indies and moved to Sparkbrook in Birmingham.
1984. In the early stages of his career, Pogus was approached by Channel 4 and asked to work on their multicultural show 'Black on Black'. Since then, he has produced and directed multicultural programmes for the major terrestrial channels, featuring such stars as Lennox Lewis, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Isaac Hayes and Aaliyah. In 1993, Pogus set up his own production company, Windrush Productions. He was also senior producer/director of 'A-Force' (BBC TV). He then went on to become series editor and presenter of the show 'Drumbeat' (Carlton TV). Since then Windrush Productions has produced numerous programmes, with subjects ranging from race, history, art and music. Pogus' work extends to motivational speaking and he is a lively and popular compere for many national events. Pogus has appeared in BBC dramas including regular parts in 'Casualty' and 'Dalziel and Pascoe'. He also presented his own radio show 'Off the Hook' and 'The Windrush E. Smith' for BBC Radio WM. | Vote for your favourite... |
As part of Black History Month 2004 the BBC Birmingham website asked readers to vote for who do they thought was the greatest black sports, music or TV personality to come out of Birmingham and the Black Country? Take a look at our reader votes
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