Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Rik Mayall has received an honorary degree from the University of Exeter. In ceremonies on Wednesday 9 July, honorary degrees were also awarded to author Dr Ahdaf Souief and Professor Sir Martin Harris. They are among the 14 public figures to be made Honorary Graduates of the University of Exeter this summer. Over 3,000 students are receiving degrees at ceremonies in Exeter and Cornwall from 8 to 14 July.

Rik Mayall lives in Devon and London and is best known for starring in TV series The Young Ones, Bottom and All About George. He was awarded an Honorary Degree in recognition of his contribution to British comedy.

Speaking at the ceremony on receiving his honorary doctorate, Rik Mayall said: “Ladies and gentlemen what can I say? This is such an honour, such a joy, such a treat, such a terrible mistake… I never in my wildest dreams imagined this. Here I am, Rik Mayall, one 11 plus, three O’levels and a doctorate. Dr Rik Mayall – unbelieveable. Thank you all so much for your imagination and charity but the celebrations are for you lot – congratulations and good luck my young friends.” Rik also shared his five mantras for a happy life with the graduates: equality, opportunity, wisdom, freedom and love (plus a bit of good luck).

Fellow honorary graduate Ahdaf Soueif’s books include The Map of Love, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1999 and translated into 18 languages.

A graduate of Cambridge and London in linguistics and philology, Professor Sir Martin Harris has been a Director of Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) since 1991 and Chairman since 1 April 2006. Sir Martin Harris is currently Deputy Chairman of the North West Development Agency and Director of the Office for Fair Access. He is also Chairman of Manchester: Knowledge Capital and became Chancellor of Salford University in April 2005.

Honorary Graduands have been selected from the fields of literature, comedy, politics, media, business, engineering, higher education and healthcare, to acknowledge the major contributions they have made within their fields and to society as a whole. The awards are made by University of Exeter Chancellor Dr Floella Benjamin OBE.