Yorkshire Actor Gaynor Faye to Receive Honorary Degree From CU Scarborough

Television star Gaynor Faye will receive an honorary Master of Arts from CU Scarborough on Wednesday to recognise her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her dedication to championing Yorkshire on screen.

Television star Gaynor Faye will receive an honorary Master of Arts degree for championing Yorkshire on screen.

University officials at CU Scarborough confirmed the award will recognise the actor, writer, and producer's outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.

The accolade holds particular significance for the Leeds-born actor, who recently returned to the Yorkshire Coast to film her first leading role in a feature film.

The new production, Hot Flash, explores the challenges of menopause and was shot across Scarborough, Bridlington, Flamborough, and the surrounding area. The film was entirely written and directed by women.

Speaking about receiving the honour, Gaynor said:

"It's extremely humbling. I love what I do and find it rewarding anyway, so to be recognised in this way is very special. The fact that it's from a Yorkshire institution makes it even more meaningful because I'm a very proud Yorkshire woman."

During the recent filming, the actor rediscovered her childhood love for the region's scenery and wildlife.

She said:

"I visited the area regularly as a child with my family and have fallen in love with it all over again. Seeing seals in the sea, watching puffins and gannets and even spotting dolphins was amazing. People often think they need to travel halfway around the world to experience scenery and wildlife like that but we have it right here in Yorkshire."

Educational leaders praised the actor's ability to bring authentic regional voices to national audiences.

Jackie Mathers, Chief Academic Officer at CU Scarborough, said:

"Gaynor is one of Yorkshire's most respected creative talents and a passionate champion of the region, its people and its stories. Through her work as an actor, writer and producer, she has brought authentic Yorkshire voices to audiences across the country while inspiring others through her creativity and determination.

"Her contribution to the entertainment industry, and her commitment to championing Yorkshire on screen, make her a truly deserving recipient of this honour. We are delighted to award her an honorary Master of Arts and to welcome her to our graduation ceremony, where we know her experiences and achievements will inspire our students as they take their next steps."

A strong belief in the storytelling power of Yorkshire's communities drives much of the actor's work. Coming from a family of storytellers, she credits her mother, the late writer and producer Kay Mellor, with transforming the television industry's perspective on the region.

Gaynor said:

"Yorkshire people are warm, friendly and don't take themselves too seriously. We're great storytellers and I think that's why Yorkshire stories resonate. They're real, they're human and, quite simply, we're ace at telling them.

"When I was starting out, everything was filmed down south. Even Playing the Field was filmed in Nottingham because that was as far north as people wanted to come. My mum was a passionate champion of northern stories and talent, and she fought to ensure Yorkshire stories were made in Yorkshire.”

Students at CU Scarborough will meet the television star during her graduation visit on Wednesday, where she plans to share advice on pursuing careers in the creative industries.

She added:

"Study your craft, watch television, watch films and learn from the people you admire. But most importantly, create things. We're lucky that we all have a camera in our pocket now. Make content, write, film, perform and get your work out there.

"Be persistent and proactive. Nothing falls into your lap but there is always a way forward if you're willing to put the work in."

The actor is best known for her television roles as Judy Mallett in Coronation Street and Megan Macey in Emmerdale, alongside appearances in the acclaimed Yorkshire-set dramas Playing the Field and Fat Friends.

Reflecting on her career, Gaynor said:

"Judy Mallett was great fun to play. She was loud and brash and even Vera Duckworth referred to her as dog rough. I got some fantastic storylines through that character and it's a role I'll always look back on fondly.

"I also loved Lauren Harris in Fat Friends. She was a jobbing actor trying to make her way in the world and couldn't have been more different from Judy. Both characters gave me so much as an actor and I feel very lucky to have played them.

"I've always wanted to tell stories that mean something to people and help somebody else. The most powerful thing you can do is be yourself and tell your story."

Looking ahead, preparations are underway for the release of Hot Flash, while she also recently filmed an episode of the BBC's Northumbria Mysteries. The actor continues to champion emerging talent through Rollem, the production company founded by her mother, where she mentors new writers and helps develop original projects.

Speaking about her upcoming leading film role, Gaynor said:

"The story really resonated with me because brain fog and anxiety are some of the biggest challenges you experience during menopause. As an actor, your memory is your livelihood, so there’s a lot of anxiety around that. Taking on the leading role in Hot Flash was really empowering and made me feel visible. I really hope the film will create conversations around the menopause and make other women feel seen and heard."