Russell Grant, born February 5, 1951, is a British astrologer and media personality who has authored several books on the subject. He is widely recognized for his syndicated newspaper horoscopes and his operation of premium-rate astrology phone lines. Grant also expanded his services to include a "Pet Psychic" offering starting in March 2010. Beyond his astrological career, he is the author of "The Real Counties of Britain" and founded the Association of British Counties in 1989. Grant's television career began with early appearances on regional programs before becoming a regular fixture on national breakfast shows, including BBC's Breakfast Time and TV-am. He later provided astrological advice on shows like "This Morning" with Richard and Judy. His career also includes participation in reality television, such as "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity MasterChef," and a theatrical role as the Wizard of Oz.

Born in 1951, Russell Grant spent his formative years in a council house, with his father working in sales and later in set design at Pinewood Studios, while his mother managed contracts. A significant portion of his childhood was under the care of his grandparents. The loss of both grandmothers to Alzheimer's disease profoundly affected him, leading to clinical depression and a period of significant weight gain. His father was a set designer, and his mother worked with contracts at Pinewood Studios.

Grant's public career began in acting before transitioning to astrology. He first appeared on television discussing astrology in 1979 and became a regular astrologer on various programs throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including BBC's Breakfast Time and TV-am, and later on "This Morning." He has been a consistent provider of newspaper horoscopes and operates astrology phone services. In 2010, he introduced a "Pet Psychic" service. Grant also founded the Association of British Counties in 1989 and authored "The Real Counties of Britain."

Beyond his work as an astrologer, Grant has had a notable presence in entertainment television. He participated in the ninth series of "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2011 and appeared on "Celebrity MasterChef" in 2014. His television roles also include presenting shows like "Wideworld" and "Russell Grant's Postcards," the latter produced by his own company. He took on the lead role of the Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium in 2012.