Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Dr Anna ready for big date

14/ 7/2006

ROCHDALE actress Anna Friel is to receive an honorary doctorate for her contribution to the performing arts.

Anna is to be honoured by Bolton University for her success in film, television and theatre.

And she has got two more reasons to celebrate.

Anna, who shot to fame as Beth Jordache on the Channel Four soap 'Brookside', turned 30 on Wednesday and her daughter, Gracie, was one-year-old on Sunday.

Since leaving 'Brookside' she has appeared on Broadway in the play 'Closer', and in the films 'Rogue Trader', 'The Land Girls' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

It was hoped that Anna would collect her scroll from the university this week, but because she is away filming in Prague, she is expected to collect her doctorate at a ceremony in November.

Her proud father Des Friel said: "Anna is absolutely delighted. And she is looking forward to collecting her award in November.

"Her brother Michael, who is studying medicine at Keele University, has joked that it will take him five years to receive his award. But it will take Anna five minutes.

"She is very much aware of the fact that it is a great honour and especially because it is awarded to her by a university in her area."

Professor James Calderwood, University of Bolton public orator, said: "Anna Friel is a star of television and film and while she may be a local lass she is on the world stage.

"This award of an honorary doctorate, therefore, is a fitting acknowledgement of what she has achieved.

"This special award acknowledges that Anna has achieved something noteworthy and meritorious.

"It is only fitting our university recognises this in the time-honoured way by giving her an honorary doctorate."