7 Celebrities Who Speak With Cockney Accents

As a multi-cultural capital city, London accents are as varied as its people. If you’re learning English and are travelling to London to practice your language skills with the locals, it can be hard to understand the many local dialects and slang words, as well as how to connect with native people on their own terms.

One of the most common London accents is Cockney. Traditionally, this accent is spoken by those born and raised within hearing distance of the church bells of St Mary-le-Bow in East London (the East End). But in the noisy modern age, this sentiment no longer holds up. What defines a ‘Cockney’ has become less strict, the term now generalised to cover most working-class London accents.

Our list of 7 celebrities who speak with Cockney accents includes both new and old-school examples of the British dialect, collecting examples of older generations who speak in ‘traditional’ East End Cockney and newer generations who speak with a generalised Cockney/London accent. Watching interviews, films and other media with these well-loved British celebs can help you get to grips with how common Londoners speak, while letting you in on some of the humour and attitudes shared by the locals.

1. Adele

Known for her sleek and graceful vocal tones, Adele’s speaking voice offers a dramatic contrast to her singing voice, resounding as a thick, common London accent. Born in Tottenham, North London, Adele’s speaking voice carries many pronunciation elements which are purely Cockney, a natural dialect which she completely masks during her music performances.

As a naturally fast yet clear speaker, Adele’s interviews are a great place for those learning English to start understanding the Cockney accent, demonstrating the common type of attitudes you might expect from local Londoners.

2. Joe Swash

Joe Swash, a prominent figure in British entertainment, is perhaps as well known for his infectious Cockney accent as he is for his television work. Born in Islington, London, Swash’s accent is a genuine reflection of his East London roots, embodying the charm and warmth often associated with the Cockney dialect. This accent has become a significant part of his public persona, lending him an approachable and relatable quality that resonates with audiences across the UK. His distinctive way of speaking not only adds to his likable character but also serves as a hallmark of his authenticity, setting him apart in the world of television and entertainment.

Throughout his career, Swash’s Cockney accent has played a pivotal role in his appeal and identity as a media personality. Whether he’s presenting on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! NOW!” or participating in various reality TV shows, his accent provides a sense of familiarity and comfort to viewers. It’s a constant reminder of his roots and background, offering a touch of East London charm to every project he undertakes. Swash’s embrace of his accent and background serves as a testament to staying true to oneself, demonstrating how personal quirks can become powerful assets in connecting with audiences and carving out a unique space in the entertainment industry.

3. Danny Dyer

Born in the East End, Danny Dyer is an actor synonymous with all things Cockney, his gritty roles in British TV and film providing a strong, localised accent to learn from. His most notable appearance today being his 10 year stint on London-based British soap opera EastEnders, Danny’s career in TV & film often sees him playing a “geezer” – a stereotypical male Cockney with a gangster-like attitude. Watch the video below to learn more about him and the Cockney accent.

4. Ray Winstone

Born in Hackney in North East London, Ray Winstone’s accent is unequivocally Cockney. With a film career stretching back to 1979, Ray continues to appear across both British film and Hollywood flicks, including 2022’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish and 2019’s infamous Cats movie. Speaking with a gruff yet charming Cockney accent, Ray’s voice offers a delightful example to help you learn the quirks of this common London dialect.

5. Micky Flanagan

Comedian Micky Flanagan’s voice is a perfect example of a ‘proper’ Cockney accent. Born in Whitechapel, East London, Mickey speaks with a very down-to-earth Cockney accent, demonstrating some clear quirks in English pronunciation which can only be found amongst common London folk.

Mickey even bases some of his stand-up comedy around the concept of ‘being a Cockney,’ – one of his more obscene jokes stemming from the hilarious similarity between the Cockney pronunciation of the word “house” and the American pronunciation of the word “ass,” and the mishaps this might lead to across seas.

6. Barbara Windsor

Barbara Windsor was an East End Cockney with an acting career spanning over 50 years. Her biggest successes being her roles in the classic Carry On film series, and appearing on over 1,600 episodes on EastEnders, Barbara’s work in British TV & film made her a national treasure. Born in Shoreditch, East London, Barbara speaks with a clear, traditional Cockney accent, giving a good example of an older female voice.

7. Jason Statham

With a recurring role in both the Expendables and the Fast & Furious movie series, action star Jason Statham’s career across the UK and US film industry is defined by his recognisable Cockney accent, which balances gritty local tones with true London geniality. Jason’s speaking voice is incredibly similar to what you’ll hear spoken across the British capital, offering a stable and reliable source from which you can learn the local dialect.