There's nothing quite like the thrill of catching sight of a familiar celebrity face casually enjoying a pint at your local or perusing the biscuit selection at Tesco. While its only proper to let them carry on with their day, it can't be helped but feel a secret thrill in the knowledge that we share our space with the stars.
In Wales, indeed, we're home to an array of renowned individuals, whether theyve been drawn here from far afield or hail from these parts originally, all of whom are embracing life amidst our wonderful communities or revelling in the idyllic Welsh countryside.
Let's see who is kicking back and loving life in Wales. Because, after all, who can blame them?
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Robert Plant
Rock deity Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame has deep-rooted connections with Wales that span his entire existence. Spending childhood holidays within Welsh borders, and harbouring a lifelong fascination with Celtic history, the height of his stardom saw him penning Led Zeppelin III in a cottage linked to Pages family, forever immortalised in the tune 'Bron-yr-Aur Stomp'.
Bez
Happy Mondays' iconic dancer Bez, known for energising Madchester vibes, now resides amid the serene landscapes of Monmouthshire where he engages in beekeeping and concocting wines from hedgerow finds. "It's been a revelation to me to the way I live and think," expressed the once notoriously hard-partying 57 year old, whose exploits inspired classics including '24-Hour Party People'.
"It's done me good and I've made some great friends. Everyone's treated me very kindly and it's been a really interesting place to live."
Michael Sheen
Hollywood star and social hero Michael has a pad tucked away in the Swansea Valley which he showcased during lockdown with dreamy views of rolling hills from his hammock and, um, queues at Pontardawe Tesco. He has also been spotted selling Welsh cakes at Aberavon and generously turns on the Christmas lights in Ystradgynlais.
Mark Little
Known to millions as Joe Mangel in Neighbours Mark can now be found "finessing a magic acre in the wilderness " somewhere south of Lake Vyrnwy in Powys. "We are now Anarchists Of The Forest and proud to be Welsh," the actor tweeted in 2020, revealing he moved to Wales during the first lockdown.
James Dean Bradfield
The quiet and unassuming Manic Street Preachers frontman is a world away from his bell-on-every-tooth performing persona when spotted in real life and that's why we like him so much. JDB can often be seen enjoying everyday life in one of Cardiff's neighbourhoods.
Mark Lewis Jones
A familiar face on the streets of Cardiff, Mark Lewis Jones has been a staple in some of the most popular TV shows and films over the past two decades. His impressive portfolio includes The Crown, Outlander, Chernobyl, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Keeping Faith.
Charlotte Church
The multi-talented Charlotte Church is making the most of her life in the Vale of Glamorgan, where she enjoys early morning sea swims, and in Powys, where she's currently renovating fashion designer Laura Ashley's former home, Rhydoldog House. Her ambitious project to transform the property into a wellness and health retreat and occasional wedding venue has been documented in the Really TV show, Dream Build.
Julian Lewis Jones
Originally from Anglesey, Stella, Justice League and Invictus star Julian Lewis Jones now resides in Carmarthenshire. Here, he's often seen expressing his frustration about speeding vehicles or enjoying a pint at the local pub.
Jerome Flynn
The actor renowned for roles in Game of Thrones and Ripper Street chose to settle down near St Davids, Pembrokeshire in 2002, captivated by its "one of the most magical places on the planet". Since putting down roots, he's become an important part of local life, supporting campaigns to preserve community amenities like the neighbourhood swimming pool and combat school closures.
In addition, he founded Trefacwn, a new-age retreat within a Grade II-listed Georgian manor, which is described on its website as a place where visitors can sense "an ancient healing energy palpable to all who visit".
Paul Potts
Britain's Got Talent's inaugural champion, Paul Potts has continued to embrace his humble origins by remaining in Port Talbot after fame. The former Carphone Warehouse salesman has upgraded from his modest terrace to a chic new house, sharing it with Julie, his wife whom he met online.
Kate Humble
Springwatch presenter Kate Humble made the move to the Wye Valley back in 2010 alongside her husband Ludo Graham and their trio of dogs named Teg, Badger, and Bella. She's often spotted soaking up the rural landscape where she runs her organic farm and indulges in her fondness for naturism, claiming it fosters a heightened connection with nature.
She told The Mirror: "I do like taking my clothes off and feeling at one with nature. Sometimes I get completely overwhelmed by the beauty of the environment around me and it just seems the most natural way to experience it. I said the same thing on Rob Brydon's show The Guess List that if you're in a very beautiful place there is something very celebratory about having a little nudey dance." .
