We Are Pompey: 'Portsmouth is home' says X-Factor star Sean Smith as he backs City of Culture bid

Portsmouth is bidding to become the 2029 City of Culture. Here we meet one of the people in the city backing the bid - and find out why Portsmouth is so special to them.

Sean Smith - X-Factor finalist, Same Difference

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Sean is one half of Same Difference. Entering X-Factor with his sister, Sarah, in 2007, the pair reached the final under the watchful eye of Simon Cowell. Since then, he has taken his performances to cruise ships, theatre stages and beyond, while his sister set up SD Studios in Sultan Road, Buckland.

Why Sean is backing the bid

He said: “When I think of Portsmouth, I think of things like Charles Dickens’ Birthplace, the Mary Rose and Southsea Castle, and it makes you realise just how great our history and culure is here. Each part of the city has its own feel, and its own unique thing that makes it special.

“But what really makes Portsmouth great is the people. Folks in Portsmouth are just real - they’re comfortable with who they are and always so friendly to everyone they meet. We live in our own little paradise here.

“Winning City of Culture is long overdue for Portsmouth. We often get overlooked for cities that are more ‘on the map’, but I think for everything we’ve got here, we deserve to be known for our culture. Portsmouth just does everything with more heart and soul.”

Portsmouth in three words: Culture. Maritime. Home.

Behind the Bio / Pompey Particulars

Sean has lived all over Portsmouth during his life, from Cosham to North End and Southsea. In 2007, he and his sister entered X-Factor as Same Difference, reaching the final of the show, where Leon Jackson ended up winning.

Nowadays, Sean lends his talents to We Will Rock You at The Kings Theatre, and performs on cruise ships - most recently with Royal Caribbean