Actress Maxine Peake has been appointed an Honorary Professor of Literature and Performance by the University of Manchester.
Bolton-born Peake has enjoyed a prolific career as a theatre, television, radio and film actress with highlights including The Theory of Everything, Shameless, Dinnerladies and Three Girls.
Last month, she won plaudits for her lead role in an episode of Charlie Brooker’s Netflix series Black Mirror, and has also joined the cast of the upcoming period drama about the Peterloo Massacre, directed by Mike Leigh.
“I’m thrilled to accept this Honorary Professorship in Literature and Performance at The University of Manchester, and to be invited to be involved in the education of our next generation of creative minds,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to working with the students, and hope to learn alongside them and see what we can achieve together.”
Professor Alessandro Schiesaro, Head of the School, described Peake as an “icon within the city of Manchester and beyond”.