(Image: Ashley James/Instagram)
This Morning star Ashley James has shocked fans after revealing the North East market town she grew up in.
The Hexham-born television presenter shared the detail in a social media post showing decorations in her newly painted, bright living room.
The room features a grandfather clock made by 19th-century Northumberland clockmaker Dixon of Hexham.
Her grandfather owned the clock before passing it down to James.
She showed the “aptly named” clock as part of the video, giving viewers a glimpse of her family connection to the town.
Fans and celebrities soon reacted, with lifestyle influencer Jack Callaghan saying: “I’m only just finding out you’re from Hexham!”
Ashley James replied: “I’m a North East girl."
James left Northumberland to attend the private Sedbergh boarding school in Cumbria, which has been cited as the reason she does not have a Northumberland accent.
Ashley James made her television debut on E4’s Made in Chelsea in 2012, appearing in 11 episodes across series four and five.
Her television work later included Celebrity Big Brother, Jeremy Vine and Good Morning Britain.
She also built a career as a DJ, providing music for award ceremonies and brand launch parties. James has had sets at festivals including Wireless, Reading and Citadel.
More recently, she has become a regular face on This Morning, discussing feminism, body positivity, social media and other pressing cultural issues.
Viewers have praised Ashley's open and candid communication, including her views as a woman who has faced misogyny and harmful stereotypes.
In her 2026 book, 'BIMBO', James writes about her experience with self-harm, body image and social expectations that she says can shame women into silence.
Ashley James is also a passionate advocate against sexual assault. She writes that the high-profile French case involving Gisèle Pelicot inspired James to share her own account of being raped while at university in Nottingham.
James told The Mirror: “Sexual assault is an area where there’s still a lot of shame and taboo.
“The system still doesn't support women. It almost feels like the woman is put on trial more than the man who is accused of rape.”
The mother-of-two also honestly discussed her experience with motherhood this summer on This Morning, while advocating for both mothers and child-free women.
Her children with partner Tommy Andrews, Alfie and Ada, were born in 2021 and 2023 respectively.
James said: “If we see motherhood as this all-important, self-fulfilling role, why don't we treat mothers with respect?”
She also called for “a society where a woman’s worth isn’t measured by her womb.”
Her comments prompted praise from celebrities like Carol Vorderman, who commented describing the discussion as "excellent."
Broadcaster Natasha Devon MBE wrote: "I love that you’ve said this @ashleylouisejames - pitting mums against childfree women is corrosive to feminism.”
As James continues to use her platform for advocacy and social justice, it's clear she's just as proud of her North East heritage as she is of her impactful television career.