Former Coronation Street actress receives Honorary Doctorate from University

Former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati spoke of her pride as she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bolton. Shobna, who became a household name for her role as Anita in Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies and as Sunita in the Manchester-based soap for more than a decade, was awarded a Doctor of Arts for her outstanding contribution to Entertainment and the Community.

She received the award in a unique Covid-secure ceremony which was being filmed for a special movie documenting this year’s innovative ‘Alternative Graduation’.

Honorary doctorates are being awarded this week in advance of the student ‘Alternative Graduation’ events which start on Friday July 9. The University is one of the only ones in the UK to have invited graduands from this year and last to be presented with their degrees in person and in their gowns, giving them the chance to have official photographs of their special day.

She said: “You couldn’t see it, but I was smiling under the mask! “I am overwhelmed and so pleased to be receiving this honour. My parents would be extremely proud of me today.”