A growing number of celebrities, from singers to actors, are kicking off the year by going vegan as part of Veganuary – and some people on the list may surprise you…
The annual challenge, which takes place every January, encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for 31 days(Image: Getty Images for Live Nation)
A new lifestyle change is taking over Hollywood – and it’s not the weight loss jabs.
From chart-topping singers to A-list actors, a growing number of celebrities are kicking off the year by going vegan as part of Veganuary. The annual challenge, which takes place every January, encourages people to try a vegan lifestyle for 31 days, and it’s become increasingly popular with famous faces keen to start the year with healthier, more sustainable habits.
Veganuary was launched in the UK in 2014 and has since grown into a global movement, inspiring millions to ditch animal products for the month of January. Many celebrities have been vocal and proud over the years about their vegan diet, including Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Ricky Gervais.
Television presenter Kate Lawler and Coronation Street actor Victoria Ekanoye are reportedly taking part in the month-long challenge, along with Stranger Things actor Matthew Modine.
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Matthew Modine, who plays Eleven’s Papa in Stranger Things, explained to organisation why he believes the message is important. He said: “If we humans, us, were killed and eaten by animals being eaten and killed by us, humans, at the same rate we humans, us, kill and eat animals, we humans, us, would be extinct in about 3 days…Cutting back on the consumption of animal flesh is a very tiny step each of us can take to make the planet more sustainable and humane.”
TV presenter Kate Lawler said she was doing Veganuary this year and also keeps thinking about going ‘fully vegan’. After giving up meat in 2017, she already enjoys a largely plant based diet but wanted to ‘explore more delicious plant-based foods’ for a month.
She told non-profit organisation Veganuary: “I’ve reduced the amount of fish and dairy I’ve eaten over the years and keep thinking about going fully vegan. I enjoy a largely plant-based diet so Veganuary appeals to me, not only for the health benefits but because I care about animal welfare. I encourage others to join me, it’s just for a month so we can explore more delicious plant-based foods.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner Karen Carney also follows a plant-based (vegan) diet, which she says benefits both her physical and mental wellbeing.
Karen avoids animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. Part of her motivation is also ethical and environmental as she’s spoken about being more aware of how food choices affect animals and the planet.
Billie Eilish uses her platform to spread awareness on the benefits of being vegan on the environment and the planet and even “enforced a completely vegan food policy” at the arena’s on her latest tour in 2025.
According to the Daily Mail, at her concerts every food vendor was required to offer 100% plant-based options for her shows, with it expected that they remove all animal products from the arena. The menu for the shows reportedly included a halloumi wrap, chipotle tacos, pizzas and pancakes – sounds great!
Comedian Ricky Gervais has also been vocal on his journey into veganism and previously said he felt like a ‘hypocrite’ when he would work with animal charities to save dogs but then ‘eat sheep’.
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