Strictly star receives honorary degree

Strictly Come Dancing star Mark Benton showed off some fancy footwork when he picked up an honorary degree from his hometown university.

The actor, famous for his roles in Waterloo Road, Barbara and Northern Lights, received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters just days after being knocked out of the BBC dance competition.

Mark, 48, is big business for Teesside and his starring roles together with his unmistakable North East accent have helped put the area on the national showbiz map.

He said: 'I’m a Boro boy through and through so feel incredibly proud to be receiving this honorary degree.

'When Teesside University got in touch about giving me this I felt honoured.

'Teesside is a fantastic area and Middlesbrough is a great town with a lot going for it, including a fantastic university.'

Mark was voted off Strictly Come Dancing after his Lion King-style Samba failed to impress the judges.

Despite exiting the show Mark was in a positive mood, saying: 'I think the cap and gown suits me much more than the fake tan and glitter.

'I don’t have to worry about getting feathers in my mouth either.

'I’m now looking forward to having a rest for a few weeks before the live Strictly shows start, I don’t think my knees could have taken it much longer.'

Also picking up a Doctor of Letters from Teesside University alongside Mark was author and artist Richard Milward.

Richard has published three critically acclaimed novels including Apples, a semi-autobiographical account of his time growing up in Middlesbrough.

Mark and Richard were among 12 people to be awarded honorary degrees from Teesside University over the past week including BBC Breakfast journalist Stephanie McGovern and aviation chief Graeme Burnett.

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