Thomas Turgoose

Thomas Turgoose has taken Grimsby with him onto screens across the world, but he’s never felt the need to leave it behind. From growing up locally to building a career in film and TV, his story is rooted in pride, honesty and staying true to who you are. This is a look at why Grimsby still means everything to him, and why he thinks the town’s best days are still ahead.

Wherever his work takes him, Thomas Turgoose remains firmly rooted in Grimsby. Known for his acting, there’s a natural honesty to him, someone who has stayed close to where he’s from and never felt the need to be anything other than himself. Born and raised in Grimsby, Thomas didn’t really leave until he was 13, when he was cast in This Is England. Up until then, life was entirely local, shaped by what he describes as the “madness and beautiful chaos” of growing up in a working class town.

Ask what the town means to him and it comes back to one thing: everything. Despite opportunities to move away, it’s never quite made sense. Family, friends and the simple routine of life here, like trips to the beach with his son, have always outweighed the pull of elsewhere. There’s a loyalty to the place that shaped him, and a comfort in staying connected to it.

That connection extends to how he sees the town evolving. Thomas says "There’s a growing sense of pride in Grimsby, with more people celebrating what’s good rather than focusing on what is not". Mentioning investment in young people through places like the Horizon Youth Zone to positive changes around the football club, he sees a community beginning to back itself again. For him, it's the people behind that shift that matter most. The individuals quietly working to improve things are what define the town, and why projects that highlight those efforts feel important.

His advice to young people looking to get into acting is simple. "Be proud of where you’re from and don’t try to change who you are. Rejection is part of the job, and patience is essential, but opportunities are there for those willing to stick at it and believe in themselves". It’s something he’s lived first-hand, proving that background doesn’t limit what’s possible.

Today, he keeps life straightforward. He lives modestly, stays close to family and spends time doing the things he’s always enjoyed. There’s no pressure to outgrow Grimsby, only a sense of belonging within it. With new projects on the horizon, including upcoming film releases and work connected to the local area, there’s still plenty ahead. But whatever comes next, one thing remains unchanged. Thomas Turgoose is, and always will be, proudly from Grimsby.