Steve Pemberton, Mandip Gill and Alex Hartley are among the University of Central Lancashire’s honorary award recipients
A triple BAFTA award-winning actor and comedian, a Doctor Who star and a former international cricketer are being honoured by the University of Central Lancashire.
Steve Pemberton, co-creator of The League of Gentleman and Inside No 9, University graduate and Doctor Who companion Mandip Gill and Alex Hartley, retired Lancashire and England bowler turned commentator, will all take to the stage next week to receive Honorary Fellowships.
Honorary Doctorates will also be conferred on British and Irish Lions medic Dr James Robson MBE and Adrian Anderson, former Chief Executive of the University Vocational Awards Council.
The University’s degree and award celebrations will take place from 8 to 12 July in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre. More than 4,000 students will don their academic caps and gowns across 14 graduation ceremonies.
Post-event celebrations for the graduates and their guests will take place on University Square, in the heart of the Preston Campus.
Live streaming will be available on the University’s YouTube channel to ensure family and friends around the world can witness the very special occasion.
Alex, who will take to the stage on Monday, is being recognised for her significant contribution to cricket and sports broadcasting. The former left-arm spin bowler, from Blackburn, travelled the world playing for Lancashire and England. She was a key part of the 2017 World Cup winning team and has recently coached the Multan Sultans in Pakistan’s Super League. She now commentates on TNT Sports and BBC TV and radio, co-presents a podcast and writes for a national newspaper.
"The University’s degree and award celebrations will take place from 8 to 12 July in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre"
On Thursday, Mandip is receiving her award for her significant contribution to acting. For three series, the University of Central Lancashire alumna played companion Yasmin Khan to Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who. During her time on the iconic show, she won several awards, including a Radio Times’ Readers’ Award. She appeared in nearly 250 episodes of Hollyoaks and has had parts in Casualty and The Good Karma Hospital. Most recently, she played the lead role in 2:22 A Ghost Story in London’s West End.
Blackburn born Steve is being recognised for his significant contribution to acting, writing and directing. The co-creator, co-writer and actor in the hugely popular The League of Gentlemen will receive his award on Friday. He also co-created and starred in dark comedies Inside No. 9 and Psychoville, both broadcast on the BBC. He appeared in Happy Valley and Benidorm and most recently he was a contestant on Channel 4’s Taskmaster.
Dr Robson, who will receive his award on Tuesday, is being recognised for his significant contribution to sports medicine. For two decades, he was the pitch side doctor for the British and Irish Lions rugby union team. James, who was born and raised in Whitehaven, initially qualified as a physiotherapist but retrained as a doctor. Before retiring as the team doctor for both Scottish Rugby and the Lions, he attended to players in more than 280 international matches. He was awarded an MBE for services to the sport in 2018.
Adrian, who is being acknowledged for his significant contribution to the education sector and Apprenticeship reform, will receive his award on Thursday. He spent 14 years as the Chief Executive of the University Vocational Awards Council and made a real impact on apprenticeship policymaking in England during that time. Adrian is regarded as a trusted adviser to both government and the higher education sector. He also wrote frequently for education sector publications.