COLCHESTER has ties to many famous faces.

From actresses like Netflix star, Hannah Dodd to singer song-writers, like Frank Turner, Colchester is meaningful to a number of celebrities.

Another homegrown name is successful actress, Beth Goddard.

Beth is best known for her role as Suze Littlewood in the BBC comedy series, Gimme Gimme Gimme.

Beth Goddard (R) previously visited Clacton for a school reunion ]Beth Goddard (R) previously visited Clacton for a school reunion ] (Image: PA) The 56-year-old was born in Colchester and grew up in Clacton-on-Sea.

As a student, Beth studied at Clacton County high school before attending Rose Bruford College in London.

Beth has featured in a number of films, and has worked alongside huge names like Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

The actress played a secretary named Judith in the 2014 action sci-fi film, Edge of Tomorrow and most recently portrayed Helen Redman in the 2025 crime series, Code of Silence.

Beth is also known for her role as Mrs Xavier in the 2011 film, X-Men: First Class which stars James McAvoy, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult. 

The actor met her husband and fellow actor, Philip Glenister whilst attending a birthday party for British actor, Jamie Glover in 1997.

John Simm and Philip Glenister were spotted in Maldon last yearActors John Simm and Philip Glenister were spotted in Maldon last year (Image: ITV) Philip is best known for his role as Gene Hunt in the TV drama series, Life on Mars.

The 62-year-old was spotted with former co-star, John Simm in Maldon High Street last year, whilst the pair were filming for an ITV series that follows the actors on a DNA journey. 

Their journey through history revealed that Philip has a ancestry connection to Essex, after meeting with a family law barrister at Maldon's Moot Hall. 

Beth and Philip marrie in 2006 and the pair have two daughters called Millie and Charlotte.