Ashley Jensen receives honorary degreee 35 years after leaving Queen Margaret University

Actress Ashley Jensen has received an honorary doctorate from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh – 35 years after leaving the institution to pursue her career in acting.

The 55-year-old studied drama at the higher education institution, then known as Queen Margaret College, before going on to begin her acting career.

Jensen has starred alongside Ricky Gervais on comedy series Extras, hit American TV show Ugly Betty and most recently DI Ruth Calder in crime drama Shetland.

On Tuesday, she was awarded Doctor of the University for her contributions to the arts at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

She told STV News: “I still feel as if I am the age of every graduate here in my head, although my body, my face might say otherwise. But I still feel that. And I think you don’t ever lose that.

“I think it’s important to not lose sight of who you were and how far sometimes you become and actually go, ‘Yeah, I’ve done all right’.

“Sometimes my journey’s not been what I expected it to be, but I quite like the way it’s turned out.”

Sir Paul Grice, principal of QMU, said: “Aside from Ashley’s impressive artistic achievements, she has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland.

“She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries.

“Her commitment to these causes reflects values we cherish at Queen Margaret University – compassion, courage, and community – and she is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve when they combine talent with tenacity, and creativity with integrity.”