Hugh Dennis to become Winchester university chancellor

Hugh Dennis will be formally given the role at a ceremony in the spring

Comedian and actor Hugh Dennis has been announced as the new chancellor of a university.

Best known for BBC shows Outnumbered and Mock the Week, the star will become the ceremonial figurehead of the University of Winchester.

The role involves hosting graduation ceremonies and other high-profile events.

He succeeds TV gardener and writer Alan Titchmarsh MBE, who served as chancellor for six years.

Having close family ties to Winchester, Dennis said he knew the city well.

His father, who was a bishop in the Church of England, spent his retirement in the area and remained active in ministry as an honorary assistant bishop in the diocese.

The comedian recently visited the university, meeting some of its performing arts and law students

Dennis said: "It's a great honour to become chancellor of such a vibrant university.

"I look forward to meeting the students and staff at graduation and other events."

The institution has more than 8,000 students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Its vice-chancellor, Prof Sarah Greer, said she was delighted at the news.

"Hugh's love of life and love of learning will be great an inspiration to our students and to the wider University community," she said.

"We look forward to formally welcoming him into the role and the university in the coming months."  

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