UCLan graduations: Victoria Derbyshire gets emotional as she receives an honorary fellowship

The Lancashire born newsreader received an Honorary Fellowship today (Tuesday, July 11) in acknowledgement of her significant contribution to journalism and broadcasting.

Victoria, 44 had herself completed a postgraduate diploma course in radio and TV journalism at the university in 1991, back when it was known as Preston Polytechnic.

In a video taken by a guest at the graduation ceremony, Victoria can be seen getting emotional as she receives her award at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

Addressing the crowd, Victoria starts by saying “Hello everyone, are you okay? I’m feeling a little bit emotional so you might have to metaphorically...” before pausing to have a tearful moment.

The celebrated journalist continued: “You might have to metaphorically put your arms around me just for a minute. I’m here with my husband, Mark, and my very good friend Tom, who graduates here on Thursday actually, thank you for having us.

"Thank you very, very much for making me an Honorary Fellow. I am so grateful and I feel truly privileged that you have decided to confer this on me. I studied here in 1990 to 91, it was a one year Postgraduate Diploma in broadcast journalism, and never in a million years, did I think I would be standing here before you 30 or so years later, accepting this, thank you. My career started in this place, and I'm really proud of that.

"The people I want to thank most actually are you, ladies and gentlemen, all the people that are graduating, all the students here today, for letting me be a part of one of the most significant days of your lives. Huge congratulations on your achievements. What you've done in the last few years while here at the University of Central Lancashire is truly the start of what I hope will be, for each and every one of you, fulfilling and incredible and happy lives. And if I could be so bold as to give you a tiny piece of advice, it’s this: live your life to the full, say yes to things that push you out of your comfort zone and make the most of every single second. Thank you.”

Born in Ramsbottom, Victoria grew up in Rochdale and attended Bury Grammar School For Girls. She began her career on BBC local radio, before joining BBC Radio 5 Live in 1998, She remained at 5 Live for 16 years, while also working in television news and political programming at the BBC.

Victoria’s television career has seen her conceive and present the eponymous Victoria Derbyshire current affairs programme on BBC Two; and more recently, take on presenting BBC’s Newsnight.

She has covered some of the world’s biggest news stories, bringing accurate, trusted journalism to global audiences: from 9/11 and the Paris Concorde crash, to general elections and the London Olympic Games, as well as the Grenfell Tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing. She now also co-hosts the critically acclaimed Ukrainecast podcast, covering the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Victoria has also appeared in the 2020 version of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and her TikTok videos have been watched millions of times. She also powerfully documented her diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, making a series of video diaries to help raise awareness of the disease and encourage people to check for symptoms.

Also receiving honourary fellowships this year are EG Group co-founder Zuber Issa CBE, Burnley Council’s outgoing Chief Executive Mick Cartledge and Amanda Elwen, who has led and developed domestic abuse services within the county.

Taking place betweebn July 10-14 in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, UCLan’s degree and award celebrations will see more than 4,000 students don their academic caps and gowns across 14 graduation ceremonies.

Victoria is not the only celebrity to be honoured by UCLan, you can discover more here.