Dame Darcey Bussell awarded honorary doctorate

Ballerina and a former Strictly Come Dancing judge Dame Darcey Bussell has been awarded an honorary doctorate of arts by the University of Plymouth.

A university spokesperson said the doctorate was in recognition of her "outstanding contribution" to dance and performance.

The 55-year-old was given the honour during a ceremony on Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday morning.

Speaking at the event, she told the BBC: "It is a piece of magic, what an extraordinary backdrop we have and I am so grateful for the honour."

She continued: "It represents the whole of my industry, the dance industry and it is incredibly exciting.

"But really I think it is about the buzz of the graduates, and it is their big day and you realise the importance of it for them."

Wednesday's graduation ceremony was the 10th ceremony held by the university over the space of three days in its graduation marquee on The Hoe - the city's seafront.

In that time, more than 2,500 students have been presented with their graduation certificates.

Dame Darcey also spoke on the allegations concerning two Strictly professional dancers, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, who have now both left the show.

She said: "Strictly always makes the news, that is without fail, and it is sad that it is this kind of news.

"I hope it comes through it and repairs because Strictly is such a valuable and beautiful piece of entertainment."

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