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.
13. Hot Rod
Do Ya Think I'm Sexy singer Rod Stewart came to town to play in a celebrity football match at the JJB Stadium more than 20 years ago. He found a fan in our reporter Paula Langin. Photo: NW
14. That's a rap
The one and only American rap sensation 50 Cent rocked up at a small recording studio in Standish for the an impromptu session after appearing in concert in Manchester. If you spotted him I'm sure you would have just said to yourself ... "nah" Photo: NW
15. You'll like this ... not a lot!
Eighties TV favourite - magician Paul Daniels - helped set up a shop in Wigan for his son, also called Paul. He is pictured here with Paul Jnr and wife and assistant Debbie McGee. Photo: NW
16. Saints alive!
This one could be straight out of Ripley's Believe It or Not but Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta stopped over in Springfield in the late 1960s - wow! Photo: submit