News / UWE Bristol
‘Inspirational’ Angellica Bell awarded honorary degree
Television and radio presenter Angellica Bell returned to her alma mater on Monday to receive an honorary degree for her “outstanding contribution” to the field.
Angellica Bell, who most recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in April 2025, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of the West of England (UWE) in 1996. Ever since, she’s forged herself an illustrious career; dabbling between her roles as a radio and television presenter, author, and roles as a presenter, author, host and more.
Bell was conferred with the achievement at a graduation ceremony at Bristol Beacon.
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Angelica Bell sat with the academic staff and others on stage during the ceremony on Monday
The 49-year-old, who has previously been nominated for a BAFTA award for presenting the ITV programme The Martin Lewis Money Show, said: “It is truly an honour and privilege to receive this Honorary Doctorate from the university. I fondly remember my student days in Bristol as a period of personal growth and exploration.
“Since then, I’ve been back to the city for numerous filming assignments, and each time it solidifies just how much the place means to me. To be recognised for my career and paving the way for others is humbling. Thank you.”
Other than being the face of Children’s BBC (CBBC) for several years and winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2017, Bell has also appeared on the Chelsea Flower Show, hosted consumer series Ill Gotten Gains, spent five weeks in Arctic conditions filming 71 Degrees North for ITV and raised more than £1m while sailing around the British Isles for The One Show.
Apart from her laurels in British broadcasting, the degree particularly recognised her contributions to public life, including being a school governor, a patron and ambassador for several charitable organisations, and most recently becoming a member of the Development Council for the National Windrush Museum.
UWE’s assistant vice-chancellor for creative and cultural Industries engagement and orator at Monday’s ceremony, Lynn Barlow added: “We’re proud to honour Angellica as an accomplished alumna who exemplifies the values we hold dear at UWE Bristol: inclusion, inspiration, and a commitment to societal impact.
“There is no doubt her achievements will continue to be an inspiration to the next generation of broadcasters.”
All photos: UWE Bristol
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