This Christmas/New Year BBC TV reminded us of the staggering success of extremely talented and highly likeable local lad, Lee Mead.
He is another star from a town that has produced a wealth of talent appearing on stage, screen and on various musical formats.
Others over the years have include Helen Mirren, Gemma Craven (actresses) Gary Brooker and Viv Stanshell (musicians) Peter Eden (record producer) Sarah Wildor (once principal dancer Royal Ballet) a few names that just scratch the surface on the talent the town has produced over the years. I am sure there are loads more.
These artists are often celebrated with background images of the pier when featured on television, which helps identify the town to the rest of the nation. Nice to see one fading star artist of the static kind getting a bit of national recognition.
I'm sure the town will continue to produce stars of Lee Mead's talent.
Old Sarfend can be so proud of all its talented sons and daughters. Southend can rightly celebrate all their successes. Bless 'em all!
Chris Jones
Hollytree Gardens
Rayleigh
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article