EastEnders' Pam St Clement swaps her Pat Butcher earrings for a tam after she picks up honorary degree

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The soap stalwart, who had played feisty Walford resident Pat Butcher for 22 years, proudly accepted an honorary Doctorate of Education from Plymouth University this morning.

The 66-year-old actress, who grew up in Dartmoor, originally trained as a teacher at Rolle Teacher Training College in east Devon before turning her attention to acting.

Proud: EastEnders actress Pat St Clement, who plays Pat Butcher, poses in her tam and gown outside Exeter Cathedral after being awarded an honorary degree

Leaving her character's trademark garish clothes at home, St Clement looked equally eye-catching in Plymouth University's orange and blue gown and velvet Tam hat - traditionally worn by doctorate graduates.

St Clement accepted her award along with hundreds of other students at this year's graduation ceremonies.

The day job: Pam St Clement as Pat Butcher in EastEnders

Before the ceremony she said she originally wanted to be a vet, but failed Latin, which was required for the profession.

So she went to Rolle College and qualified as a drama teacher, but realised by the end of her finals she was interested in performance.

She said: 'I did teach drama at secondary level in London very briefly, then went to drama school.'

Of her long career in EastEnders she said: 'It is almost like having a doppelganger - my life is going along, and the other character's life is going along.

'I just put it on like an old sock on a daily basis.

'As far as my desires are concerned I have always said I think there is a lot in the character to go.

'I think I would like to go on exploring it while it interests the audience and while it interests me.'

She said she did not have any regrets about not following a career as a teacher, saying: 'I do not think I was a good teacher, so I do not think I was a loss to the profession.'

St Clement said she was honoured to receive the award from the University of Plymouth, adding: 'I have the greatest respect and admiration for those working in the profession.'