All the iconic alumni you didn’t know went to University of York

Uni of York may not have had any royals or Kardashians passing through the halls, but we have a good selection of British icons of our own. Whether in the field of economics or linguistics, meet the York alumni that are now constantly raising the bar for us.

It’s nice to know that some well-known faces likely also experienced the same lectures, the run from aggressive geese, and the late-night Nisa trips. If they can get through it, so can we.

So, who’s going to make it onto the updated 2034 list?

Rowan Claughton

@rowanclaughton

I was the youngest contestant on the Great British Bake Off last year, but did you know I was finishing my degree at the same time!? 🎂👨🏻‍🎓Here’s a little storytime of the build up to Bake Off, from one very hectic uni kitchen to how @rylan and AbFab slotted into this story. Oh, and of course I’ve got the recipe for this Orange and Kiwi loaf cake for you all🍊🥝It is DIVINE! Who saw my hack to peeling a kiwi too?! Check the comments for the recipe⬇️⬇️ #greatbritishbakeoff #GBBO #loafcake #orangecake #🍊 #kiwicake #kiwi #kiwipics #kiwis #kiwifruit #baking #loafcakerecipe #asmr #buttercreamcake #buttercream #curd #lemoncurd #bakingrecipe #homebaking #cake #cakerecipes #cakes #loaf #storytime #fyp #fypシ゚viral

♬ MILLION DOLLAR BABY – Tommy Richman

Starting with our newest celebrity, Rowan Claughton graduated this year with a degree in English literature, before going on to be this year’s youngest Great British Bake-Off contestant. Rowan actually used to write for us here at The York Tab (so come to our open meeting and you might end up meeting Paul Hollywood).

He made us proud with his Lobster showstopper cake – we were sad to see him go in Week Five, but can’t wait to see what else he gets up to.

Phil Lester

via YouTube

Our 14-year-old selves are screaming right now. YouTube star Phil Lester did his BA in English language and linguistics at York, graduating in 2008 before doing his MA in video postproduction with visual effects in 2009.

In a YouTube video a couple years ago, he fondly revisited the campus through Google Maps Street View and recalled the amount of geese wandering around. Pretty funny. Nice to know things haven’t changed.

Ellie Taylor

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A post shared by Ellie Taylor (@elliejanetaylor)

Comedian Ellie Taylor can be seen performing stand up, featuring on panel shows such as Mock the Week, and was even on Strictly Come Dancing last year where she placed seventh. During her time at university in York, she actually studied English literature and was a keen member of the drama society.

Sara Davies

via BBC iPlayer

Businesswoman and TV personality Sara Davies MBE, currently best known for Dragon’s Den, did a business degree at York and graduated in 2006. She started her hugely successful company Crafter’s Companion whilst she was at uni, and also finished eighth on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.

Harry Enfield

Harry Enfield, one of the best known British comedians, graduated from York in 1982 with a degree in Politics. He revisited York a few years ago, describing how his roof fell in whilst living here (it happens to the best of us). He, along with York alumni Bryan Elsley, went on to perform together at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Chris Whitty

“Whichever path you choose, it’s a very bright future which I’m very confident you will enjoy.”
Professor Chris Whitty, @CMO_England, had a few words of inspiration for our @HullYorkMed graduates as he received an honorary degree
See the full speech at: https://t.co/t2Q1UDD5he pic.twitter.com/yMurx48Ct2

— University of York (@UniOfYork) July 22, 2023

We all remember seeing Professor Chris Whitty’s face at the Downing Street Covid briefings. Whilst he did not study here, the uni actually awarded him with an honorary degree last year in July for being “a keyplayer in the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic“. Of course, he studied at Pembroke College at the University of Oxford. Next slide please…

Aníbal Cavaco Silva

Proud of CEO Ian Clark who met w/ Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva to discuss #biotech #innovation pic.twitter.com/sG1p1uCX50

— Genentech (@genentech) March 7, 2014

Now, this is someone I really wasn’t expecting to find. The former President of Portugal, from 2006-2016, obtained his PHD in Economics in 1973 and an honorary degree later in 1995. During his time at York, he stayed in Alcuin college – very much helping to disprove the stereotype that people in Alcuin don’t do anything (sorry, I didn’t say it).

Anthony Horowitz

Spot the dummy! It’s not the real book but exciting to have an early mock-up. Out September 7th pic.twitter.com/JZno9HIyG4

— Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) July 12, 2023

Massively successful author and screenwriter Anthony Horowitz studied English Literature and history of art at York, graduating in 1977. Naturally, he was later awarded an honorary degree in 2010. He has written loads of popular books, including the Alex Rider series and Magpie Murders, as well as writing multiple television shows like Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders. He’s even written a Sherlock Holmes novel!

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Featured images via @AmazingPhil, @Saradaviescc on Instagram