Sherlock star awarded honorary degree

Actor Mark Gatiss has described receiving an honorary doctorate as "a humbling and kind gesture".

The Sherlock co-creator received the award from the University of Leeds in recognition of his "significant contributions to culture and performance".

Gatiss studied Theatre Arts at Bretton Hall College, which is now part of the University, where he met League of Gentlemen co-stars Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, he said: "It means an awful lot to me to come back and receive a Doctorate. There is something different about the North and it is worth celebrating. It is a mindset, a unique sensibility."

Prof Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, praised the actor's "exceptional contribution to arts and culture" calling him "a key advocate for the arts and the North of England."

"We are honoured that Mark is now a part of our esteemed honorary graduate community."

Gatiss, from Sedgefield, in County Durham, advised graduates at the event "to persist, to keep going even when things don't work out".

"When I was growing up, I was obsessed with TV," he said.

"Having had that opportunity to study was crucial for me and I am passionate about creating opportunity for others."

Gatiss has previously been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Huddersfield in 2003, along with Pemberton, Shearsmith, and Jeremy Dyson.

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