A TV star has been honoured at the University of York.
BAFTA-winning actor Suranne Jones is one of the university’s honorary graduates this year.
One of Britain’s leading performers, she first came to fame in Coronation Street.
She’s since starred in dramas including Scott & Bailey, Vigil, Save Me, as well as the BBC comedy Film Club, and Gentleman Jack – for which she filmed scenes in York.
Suranne earned a BAFTA for Best Leading Actress for her role in Doctor Foster, in which she recently returned for a third series.
She has also appeared in the Netflix thriller Hostage and ITV’s Maryland and Frauds, both of which she co-created and executive produced through TeamAkers Productions, the company she runs with her husband, Laurence Akers.
After receiving her degree she addressed this year’s graduates. Suranne told them that a career in the arts had given her “wonderful” opportunities for “human connection and the sharing of knowledge”.
“Stay curious, stay connected, and be confident that the little things will matter,” Suranne told the young audience..
“The daily wins will build and strengthen community. Remember your local charities and offer expertise where you can because we need you to do that more than ever. And I promise to do that too.”
Later she posted a picture of herself in the graduate’s robes on Instagram and wrote: “Thank you University of York for my honorary doctorate.
“Congratulations to all who graduated today. What a beautiful thing and a wonderful day.”
