A television presenter from Blackburn is among five people who are being honoured by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

AJ Odudu, who has hosted shows on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky, will receive an honorary fellowship during next week’s graduation ceremonies.

Award-winning AJ has hosted a range of shows, and she co-hosted the ITV reboot of Big Brother, Comic Relief and Eurovision this year. 

She was also a finalist in BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, in 2021, and hosted HBO game show The Bridge.

AJ will receive her award on Wednesday, December 13, to acknowledge her 'significant contribution to television presenting and broadcasting'.

Preston man John Chesworth, executive chair of Harrison Drury Solicitors, and Alison Robinson, former chief executive and principal of Myerscough College, are also being recognised with honorary fellowships.

Honorary doctorates are also being given to Professor Helen Marshall, who has dedicated her career to the higher education sector, and Lancastrian David Holmes, who has spent nearly 40 years working at BAE Systems.

Between December 12 and 14, nearly 2,500 students will don their academic caps and gowns across eight graduation ceremonies in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre in Preston.

After taking the applause on stage, graduates and their guests will enjoy their post-event celebrations in the University’s Student Centre, based in the heart of the Preston campus.

John Chesworth, who is a solicitor and chair of both the Preston Towns Fund Bid and the Preston Partnership, is being recognised for his 'significant contribution to the regeneration of the city'. He will take to the stage on Tuesday, December 12.

Alison Robinson, who is being acknowledged for her 'significant contribution to the further education sector in Lancashire', will receive her award on Wednesday 13.

Prof Marshall, who will also take to the stage on Wednesday, is being recognised for her 'significant contribution to the higher education sector' after holding senior positions at four universities.

Mr Holmes, the managing director of BAE’s FalconWorks, will receive his special award on Thursday 14 for his 'significant contribution towards advanced aerospace manufacturing, technology and engineering'.