In the glitzy world of showbusiness, where multi-million pound mansions are the norm, it's a refreshing twist that some of the biggest stars' parents are turning down the chance to upgrade. For these families, home truly is where the heart is, with mums and dads choosing to stay in their original, often very modest, properties despite their children's vast wealth.
The Champions of Humble Roots
Anthony Joshua's mother, Yeta Odusanya, is a prime example. During his meteoric rise from amateur to world heavyweight champion, Joshua has consistently credited his mother for keeping him grounded. In a practical move to secure her future, he purchased her former council flat in North London for £174,000 after turning professional in 2013. Following his iconic 2017 victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley, he even moved back into the flat briefly to share the moment with her.
Joshua is so protective that he has not allowed Yeta to watch his fights live or on television since his 2012 Olympic gold win. Recently, Yeta demonstrated her own unwavering support by rushing to her son's bedside at a top Nigerian hospital after he was injured in a serious car crash that claimed the lives of two of his friends.
An Unshakeable Council House and a Golden Gate
Perhaps the most famous steadfast parent is Peggy Gallagher, mother of Oasis brothers Liam and Noel. Despite her sons' repeated offers to buy her a new house, Peggy has always refused to leave the Manchester council house where they grew up. Her one request to her famous children was to replace her squeaky garden gate.
"We bought her a brand-new gate with a gold number 5 on it and she was happy as Larry after that," Noel Gallagher recalled in a 2021 interview. He explained that her deep-rooted family network of seven sisters living nearby made moving unthinkable. Following the announcement of the Oasis reunion in 2024, the brothers were so concerned about fan attention that they hired 24-hour security for her at the same address.
Staying Grounded in Scotland
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi also famously lived with his parents in their West Lothian home long after finding global fame with hits like 'Someone You Loved'. He only moved out during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, and the family sold the property the following year. The house, where Capaldi penned early hits, featured in his Netflix documentary, showing his bedroom with a microphone still set up in the corner.
Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle has also remained fiercely loyal to her home in West Lothian. Despite her monumental music success since 2009, she says the house is filled with too many precious memories to leave. Her home is decorated with career memorabilia, religious artefacts, and photos of meetings with figures like Pope Francis. "It's best to be grounded and with your roots," she has said, explaining her choice to stay put even after refurbishing the property.
These stories highlight a powerful counter-narrative in the celebrity world. While the threat of rent or a mortgage is a stress many would gladly escape, for these parents, the comfort of community, memory, and a simple life outweighs the allure of lavish new settings, keeping their superstar children connected to their humble beginnings.
