Check out the following British public figures with, at times, obscure family roots in South Africa. Could you name them all? And did we leave any notable people off the list?

Be sure to share your thoughts/entries in the comments section below … JACKIE COLLINS Joan and Jackie were an absolute powerhouse in the ’80s and ’90s. Image: File Born on 4 October 1937, Jacqueline Jill Collins was an English writer who wrote 32 novels. If that name sounds familiar, that’s because she is the younger sister of famous actress Joan Collins.

Unbelievably, all of Jackie’s books appeared on the New York Times bestsellers list. Selling well over 500-million copies in more than 40 languages, it’s like she’s won the PowerBall lotto a hundred times over. Joan and Jackie’s father was a South African-born theatrical agent.

SIR ANDREW STRAUSS Born in Johannesburg on 2 March 1977, Andrew Strauss moved to England at the age of six. He played for Middlesex and served as one of England’s best modern-day test captains. This top South African Brit was even knighted in 2019 for his services to English cricket.

CHRISTIAN BALE Christian Bale’s father was a South African commercial pilot. Image: File Here’s a top South African Brit, we’ll confess, we didn’t know about. Christian Charles Philip Bale was born on 30 January 1974 in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

His connection to South Africa comes via his father, David Bale. His father was born in South Africa and worked as an entrepreneur and commercial pilot. Christian won an Academy Award in 2011 for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Fighter and has received numerous nominations and other awards in his career.

KELLY HOPPEN Born in Cape Town on 28 July 1959, Kelly Hoppen is a South African-born British interior designer, entrepreneur and owner of Kelly Hoppen Interiors. She shot to fame designing for celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham. In 2013, she joined BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den.

JRR TOLKIEN Slow life in the Free State allowed Tolkien’s imagination to bloom. Image: File Correct, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is well known for being born in Bloemfontein on 3 January 1892. The writer, poet, university professor and philologist passed away on 2 September 1973.

In 2008, The Times placed him sixth on its list of 50 Greatest post-war writers, and Forbes ranked him the fifth top-earning ‘dead celebrity’ in 2009. NATASHA KAPLINSKY Born on 9 September 1972, Natasha Kaplinsky is a newsreader and television presenter best known for her roles with the BBC, Channel 5, Sky News and ITV. Her father, Raphael Kaplinsky, is a Jewish South African who fled the country after leading anti-apartheid protests at the University of Cape Town.

Natasha also won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004. SIENNA MILLER Sienna Miller’s mother was a South African model. Image: File We bet you didn’t know Sienna Miller was a top South African Brit?

Born in New York City on 28 December 1981, she moved to London with her family when she was just 18 months old. Her mother, Josephine Miller, was a South African model and personal assistant to David Bowie. Besides being incredibly attractive, Sienna has been nominated for numerous BAFTAs and Golden Globes.

DAN SMITH Another top South African Brit you might not have known about is the lead vocalist and founder of the band Bastille. Their 2013 single ‘Pompeii’ charted at number two in the UK, and their debut album ‘Bad Blood’ topped the UK charts. Both of Dan’s parents are South African lawyers, and their collection of old records was a major musical influence on him growing up.

ANDY ZALTZMAN Born in 1974, Andy Zaltzman is a British comedian and author who specialises in political satire. He is the son of South African sculptor Zack Zaltzman. CHARLIE SIEM Born on 14 January 1986, Charlie Siem is an English contemporary classical violinist who has performed at private events for the likes of Lady Gaga. His mother was born in Johannesburg and lived in Cape Town, and his grandfather was from Bloemfontein.