Celebrities who attended Liverpool universities

As the new university year arrives we look back at celebrities that have attended Liverpool universities in the past...

Beth Tweddle

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Beth Tweddle MBE was recently ranked the most successful British gymnast, male or female, in the history of the sport. She was the first female gymnast from Great Britain to win a medal at the Olympic Games and won the eighth series of Dancing on Ice in 2013. Tweddle completed a foundation degree with the University of Liverpool, and in 2007, graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a degree in Sports Science. She was subsequently accepted to study Physiotherapy at the University of Liverpool and in 2012, was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University.

Edward Snowden

!Whistleblower Edward Snowden, who revealed the USA’s mass snooping programme Prism, was trained in cyber security through the University of Liverpool. Snowden registered to study a University of Liverpool online MSc programme in Computer Security in 2011, but reportedly did not complete the programme.

Peter Kay

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Bolton born comedian, Peter Kay left school with one GCSE in 1989. After a series of jobs he lied about his qualifications and began a course at the University of Liverpool. However, after struggling with the course he transferred to the University of Salford, where he discovered his talent for performing.

Caroline Aherne

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Comedian and BAFTA-winning writer and actress, Caroline Aherne studied drama at Liverpool Polytechnic (later Liverpool John Moores University). Caroline’s most popular creation is the comedy series The Royle Family, which she co-created and directed in its third series. She starred as daughter Denise Royle, alongside Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnson.

Jon Snow

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The longest running presenter of Channel 4 News, Jon Snow studied Law at the University of Liverpool. Snow studied at the university between 1968 and 1970 but was expelled following a rooftop protest. However, forty years after he was kicked out of the city’s university- he was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in 2011.

Jenny Meadows

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Athlete and Britain's fourth fastest woman. Studied English with Physical Education and Recreation at Liverpool Hope University.

Patricia Routledge

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Olivier Award winning actress and singer. Studied English Language and Literature at the University of Liverpool, after being educated at Birkenhead High School.

Willy Russell

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Local playwright known for Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine, Blood Brothers and Our Day Out. Studied at Liverpool Hope University.

Roxanne Pallett

Actress most known for playing Jo Sugden in Emmerdale graduated from John Moores University with a BA Honours in Media and Cultural Studies.

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