The stunning city of Liverpool has not one, not two, but three amazing universities. So, it is no shock to learn that there have been an array of famous names coming through the higher education system in Liverpool. So which celebrities went to Liverpool universities? Here are some of our favourites.
Carol Ann Duffy
Dame Carol Ann Duffy is a renowned poet whose best-known work includes Education for Leisure, Valentine, and the 1985 collection Standing Female Nude.
Duffy was awarded the title of Britain’s Poet Laureate in 2009, becoming the first woman, the first Scot and the first openly gay person to hold the role.
In 1974, she began a degree in philosophy at the University of Liverpool. She also had two of her plays performed at the Liverpool Playhouse during her time in the city. Ultimately, she became a poetry lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Nick Grimshaw
Nick Grimshaw is a TV and radio host, best known for his time on BBC Radio 1 during early morning drive time.
Grimshaw has also appeared on panel shows as a personality. He hosted Channel 4’s series That Music Show and was a judge on the twelfth series of The X Factor alongside Rita Ora, Cheryl and Simon Cowell.
Between 2002 and 2005, Grimshaw studied Communications and Media Studies at the University of Liverpool. Ultimately, he failed his last year and was awarded a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
See also: Most Instagrammable Spots In Liverpool
Dawda Kairaba Jawara
Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara served as Gambia’s prime minister from 1962 until 1970 when he then became the first President of Gambia.
Born in Barajally, central Gambia, Jawara came to Britain as a child. Before realising his political calling, he trained extensively to become a vet.
He began his studies at the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Jawara then went on to complete his studies at the University of Liverpool and finished at the University of Edinburgh.
Claire Foy
Claire Foy is a celebrated British actress who played the late Queen Elizabeth II in season one and two of Netflix’s The Crown. She was awarded an Emmy for this role in the Leading Actress category in 2017.
Foy has received both Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for her film and TV portrayals including Anne Boleyn in Wolf Hall (2015) and Janet Shearon in First Man (2018).
Before heading to Oxford School of Drama, Foy attended Liverpool John Moores University for drama and screen studies.
Beth Tweddle
Johannesburg-born, British Olympian Beth Tweddle was the first female gymnast from Team GB to win medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships and the European Championships.
During her training, Tweddle attended Liverpool John Moores University and completed a degree in sports science.
She was subsequently accepted to the University of Liverpool for a physiotherapy undergraduate degree, which she began studying after her success at the 2012 home Olympic Games.
Which Other Celebrities Went To Liverpool Universities
Along with those listed above, here are some others who studied on Merseyside.
- Victoria Derbyshire
- David Olusoga
- Peter Kay
- Patricia Routledge
- Anna Maxwell Martin
- David Gray
- Vicky Pattison
- Louise Pentland
- Caroline Aherne
