Across the country – while GCSE and A-level students nervously await their results – graduates are donning their gowns and popping the champagne. 

And there’s a fair few famous faces enjoying wearing mortar board and gowns this year too, as UK universities have bestowed honorary degrees on celebrities including Joe Wicks, two Lionesses and Blur and Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn amongst others. 

This week, Davinia McCall said she was overwhelmed with pride and love as she revealed she and her eldest daughter Holly graduated in the same week on Thursday.

The former Big Brother host’s 22-year-old daughter gained her degree from Newcastle University, and Davina, 56, revealed she had also received an honorary degree in civil law for her work around women’s health.

The star posted a beaming picture of herself getting dressed in a graduation gown before picking up her PhD – with doting boyfriend Michael Douglas there to support.

Davina received an honorary degree in civil law for her work around women’s health this week

Davina McCall, 56, was overwhelmed with pride and love as she revealed she and her eldest daughter Holly graduated in the same week (pictured with boyfriend Michael Douglas)

She captioned her post: ‘I was given an honorary PhD in civil law for my work in media and around women’s health. To get this with @mdlondon and my kids by my side ( Tilly you were with me in my heart ) was very very special.’

And Mel B was also celebrating similar honours. This week, the Spice Girl shared a rare snap with all three of her children as she celebrated being awarded an honorary doctorate for her work with domestic abuse victims. 

Mel, 49, sported a custom-made leopard print graduation gown on Monday as she picked up an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University.

Sharing the family photos on social media, Mel wrote: ‘WOWWWWW I have no words … 48 hours on I still feel so emotional …this day has been so special to me.’

Mel B looked sensational in a custom-made leopard print graduation gown on Monday as she picked up an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University

Mel B shared a rare snap with all three of her children Phoenix (right), Angel (centre-right) and Madison (centre-left) on Wednesday as she celebrated being awarded an honorary doctorate for her work with domestic abuse victims

She added: ‘My family thank you for all being here for this moment too you are so special and I’m soo honoured and happy to have you all with me in this moment. 

‘I’m gonna be thinking about this day A LOT and have a cry about this day, so many emotions. Thanks everyone for their support. This is my mission, this is all about one thing being a survivor – helping survivors, breaking the silence and using my voice to help others.’

Mel said being awarded an honorary doctorate is ‘as massive an achievement as performing at Wembley Stadium with the Spice Girls’.

During a ceremony at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the hitmaker accepted the award recognising her campaigning efforts for domestic abuse victims before posing with her three children, Phoenix, 25, Angel, 17, and Madison, 12. 

Gorillaz and Blur frontman Damon Albarn, who has a house is Devon, was honoured at the University of Exeter this week, telling his fellow graduates ‘Trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer.’

Former Love Island Dr Alex George shared the news this week that he’d also got an honorary degree from Exeter University, for his campaign to improve mental health help for young people

Another musician sporting a gown this week was Blur frontman Damon Albarn after he was given an honorary degree by the University of Exeter.

The university said the Gorillaz star was awarded the degree ‘in recognition of his creativity, innovation and commitment to environmental causes’.

Albarn, 56, described the honour as ‘somewhat of an elevation’; his last visit to Exeter Uni had been to pick up his driving theory certificate.

Speaking to students, he said: ‘There are so many ways for a single fact to become so fragmented and distorted. Trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer. Be open-minded and go out there and do good things.’ 

And reality TV star Dr Alex George was also honoured by the south west university. The ex Love Islander and one-time A&E doctor was recognised for his campaigning work on better mental health support for young people. 

Joe Wicks celebrated with his proud mother on Tuesday after receiving an honorary degree from Loughborough University in Leicestershire 

Joe recently spoke out about his childhood and said his behavioural issues at school were caused by his high-sugar diet

In the world of sports and fitness, Joe Wicks celebrated with his proud mother on Tuesday after receiving an honorary degree from Loughborough University in Leicestershire.

The nation’s favourite work-out guru, nicknamed the Body Coach, looked delighted as he posed with his mum Raquela on his back after the presentation.

Back in Leeds, in robes, Lucy Bronze was given an honorary doctorate at the university that she first graduated from in 2014  

Bronze, who’s just signed to Chelsea, famously worked at Domino’s while studying 

Fellow Lioness and Chelsea star Millie Bright also shared this photo of herself getting a degree from the University of Derby

The defender becomes the first Freewoman of Derby after receiving the honour 

Two of England’s Lionesses found themselves swapping their football kits for academic attire, with Lucy Bronze, like Mel B, honoured with a honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett. 

The England star, just signed to Chelsea, attended the university while juggling her early football career, studying sports science while playing for Everton and Liverpool between 2010 and 2014. 

Fellow Lioness and Chelsea star Millie Bright was also honoured, sharing a photo of herself in a gown and mortar board getting a degree from the University of Derby.

The defender becomes the first Freewoman of Derby after receiving the honour.