Doc Martin star Martin Clunes becomes a real-life doctor

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Clunes, 45, was presented with the degree of Doctor of Arts for his work in acting, making him a real-life Dr.

Dressed in a blue cap and gown, the TV star received a huge applause from graduates when he was handed his scroll at Bournemouth University, Dorset.

Scroll down for more...

Living up to his name: Martin Clunes really is Doc Martin after being awarded an honorary degree

He then made a very short speech saying how flattered he was before adding "I can't help feeling like I've nicked something".

He said afterwards: "I'm a doctor and it feels great - although I'm not a real doctor.

"It only occured to me a while after I found out about it that I realised I would in fact be Doc Martin.

"I'm tickled to death by the whole thing really. It's very flattering.

"I'm not sure where I can use it - I don't think my wife will start calling me Doc Martin.

"I enjoyed the graduation ceremony - I have never clapped so much in my life.

"I've got repetitive strain injuries in both my wrists now."

Asked whether he will now be more like his grumpy and abrupt character in Doc Martin, Clunes said: "No."

Clunes sprung to fame playing Gary Strang in the TV hit Men Behaving Badly but is now known for his lead role in the ITV comedy Doc Martin.

He arrived at today's ceremony in Bournemouth, Dorset, with his wife Philippa Braithwaite.

The couple live in nearby Beaminster and run their own TV production company. Clunes is also involved with a number of local charities.

Staff and students at Bournemouth University nominated the star for the honorary doctorate to recognise his TV career.

Charles Elder, spokesman for Bournemouth University, said they were honoured that Clunes accepted the degree.

He said: "Martin has achieved such a lot what with his successful television career and own production company.

"He has also adopted Dorset as his own county and devotes a lot of time to charity here.

"He seems to be focused on something apart from himself - that's what endears us to people like him.

"We see him accepting the degree as a civic honour on behalf of the town and the county."

Clunes other successes include his role in Oscar-nominated film Shakespeare in Love and nomination for Best Male Actor in the Royal Television Society's Awards.