The best of three as by me. Pontypridd boasts many famous faces, living and past and the list keeps getting bigger!

With the recent BBC 'Coming Home' series featuring famous faces tracing back their family history through Welsh ancestry we (Pontypridd) have all been drawn to Michelle Collins, the famous Eastenders actor.

Probably best known to many as Cindy Beale for her role in the Eastenders. We follow Michele Collins through a trace back to her ancestorial roots during the more industrialised era's of the coal mining industry. Through a mix of emotions we learn of her family's plight in the great depression to more famous links of her late grandfathers brief boxing career. In which, Michele's grandfather took on the British champ of the time, namely Bill Beynon.

In this episode we learn of Michelle and her Uncle, Daniel Horton's path of discovery learning the past of their families history. But of course this is not the first time we have had our attention drawn to local icons.

How about Tom Jones. Having had the opportunity to study at the University of Glamorgan I was told of many stories of the living legend. From the story of his current house bing used as student accomodation (Im not sure if this is true!), where it was alleged he returned to his hometown to find students ocuppying his former residence. To his singing exploits at Tom's bar in Treforest. Of course I must point out that this is hear-say. But whether the particulars are true or false we can all agree that Tom Jones was distinctly of Pontypridd origin.

Least we forget the world record kicking Neil Jenkins, an absolute kicking genius of his time. I would still bet he is better than most. Certainly myself! We can often see him on the touch lines of the Millenium stadium during our national rugby matches. An invaluable kicking coach. But could anyone answer me this: which beach did he get his sand from for his kicking 'T'? let me know.

In summary whether you are of Ponty origin or a brief onlooker on tour we can all agree that the above three are invaluable assets to promoting the future of Pontypridd and elemental in its illuminous present.