Actors among those to receive honorary degrees

Mark Gatiss said Durham held a special place in his heart

Award-winning actors Mark Gatiss and Gina McKee are among those who will receive honorary degrees from Durham University this summer.

Mark Gatiss, founding member of The League of Gentlemen and co-creator of the award-winning BBC series Sherlock, is from Sedgefield in County Durham and said he was thrilled to be honoured by his "almost" home city.

Meanwhile BAFTA-winning actor Gina McKee, from Peterlee, said it meant a "great deal" to her.

Broadcasters David Shukman and Lorraine Heggessey, charity campaigner Becky Rogerson, and international law experts Dato' Faiz Azmi and Dapo Akande will also be honoured in July.

They will each receive their honours during Durham University's summer Congregation ceremonies held at Durham Cathedral.

Thousands of students would also be graduating alongside them, the university said.

Broadcasters David Shukman and Lorraine Heggessey and actor Gina McKee will be honoured

Gatiss said Durham held a "very special place" in his heart.

"From the Cathedral to the Castle, from Mugwump to the Shakespeare pub, Durham is a citadel of joy."

Gatiss has previously been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leeds in 2024 and the University of Huddersfield in 2003.

McKee, who has appeared in films including Notting Hill and Atonement and has been nominated for Olivier awards, will be made a Doctor of Letters.

She said: "I'm looking forward to the ceremony, to seeing the graduates celebrate their achievements and to enjoying the special atmosphere of the magnificent Durham Cathedral."