However along with the names you might expect – such as Sir Ian McKellen, who spent much of his childhood in Wigan – there are others that are more surprising, including a pre-fame and very different looking Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Here we take a look back at the sports stars, actors, musicians and royalty who have graced Wiganers with their presence, some on more than one occasion as pictures from our archives show.
5. He'll be back ... hopefully!
Yep, that shirt and tie-wearing young chap is none other than The Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, pictured in Kitt Green in 1968 with his then girlfriend Miss Great Britain Kathleen Winstanley and a friend. Photo: NW
6. Iron Man
Yes that is Iron Mike Tyson! The former World Heavyweight champion was a guest at Hope Special School where he showed his caring side during a brief visit. Photo: NW
7. Holy cow!
Another boxing champ and former opponent of Iron Mike, Evander Holyfield, also paid Hope School a visit. It's a good job him and Tyson weren't there at the same time! Photo: NW
8. Stone the crowes!
Gladiator mega star Russell Crowe spent a night at Kilhey Court Hotel as he negotiated with Wigan Warriors about coach Michael Maguire moving to South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2011. Photo: Martin Rickett