Lorraine Kelly was awarded an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University on Thursday.
But while she feels “so honoured” to have received the degree, she admitted she feels “a little bad” because she got the degree “without doing any work” for it.
The Scottish presenter, 58, revealed she didn’t go to university as she went straight from school to work in local newspapers.
Read more: Lorraine Kelly misses her show to receive honorary doctorate
She told the Press Association: “I’m so honoured, I really am. But I do feel a little bit bad because all these amazing young people have studied and worked for years to get their degree.
“I didn’t go to university and here I am getting a degree without doing any work at all. I’m really, really, really thrilled – it’s a lovely honour.”
Giving some words of wisdom to hopeful university students, Lorraine added: “It’s just about taking your time, you don’t have to rush into anything.
“This generation, we’re going to rely on them to change things and to make things better. Be yourself and enjoy life. This is not a rehearsal, just go for it.”
On Thursday, the star had to miss her show because she had travelled to Edinburgh to receive her honour.
However, she still managed to make a brief appearance on the programme.
Appearing on the show via video link from the university’s Usher Hall, Lorraine sported her graduation robe as she opened up about receiving the honour.
She told her fill-in host Christine Lampard: “It’s so exciting. Two years ago, I was in this very hall watching my [daughter] Rosie graduate from the Edinburgh Napier University, which was amazing.
“And now they’ve given me an honorary degree, so I’m getting it today. I’m going to be with all the students and their proud parents and it’s just going to be fantastic.”
She added: “This really means a lot and especially as it was where Rosie went.
“I’m following in her footsteps and I’m very proud to be doing so.”
Christine, 39, replied: “Bet you are! This is a doctorate, that sounds incredibly important.”
Lorraine trained as a journalist at the then Napier College, and in 2016 she returned to the university to see her daughter graduate with a degree in journalism.
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The star started her career as a local newspaper reporter in East Kilbride but progressed rapidly to national television.
She has worked as a presenter on TV-am, GMTV, ITV Breakfast, Daybreak and Lorraine.
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