A FORMER Vale of Clwyd schoolgirl who has taken the acting world by storm has been honoured by Bangor University.

Joanna Scanlan, who was named as the best actress at the BAFTA film awards for her role in the film drama After Love last year, accepted an Honorary Degree at the university's winter graduation ceremony.

Born in West Kirby, Joanna moved with her parents to Ruthin when she was just three years of age.

Her parents, Pat and Mike, bought the Castle Hotel, in Ruthin, and Joanna attended Howell's School, in Denbigh.

She came to prominence in the role of Terri Coverley in BBC comedy The Thick of It, alongside Peter Capaldi, while in After Love, Joanna portrays Mary Hussain, a widow who discovers her late husband's secret family.

Among her successes is the darkly satirical NHS drama Getting On, in which she starred and co-wrote with Jo Brand and Vicki Pepperdine.

Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine teamed up again to write and star in their BBC Four comedy series Puppy Love, which follows two women at their dog training classes on the Wirral.

Film roles include The Invisible Woman, Get Santa, Testament of Youth, In the Loop, The Bad Education Movie, The Other Boleyn Girl, Stardust, Notes on a Scandal, Girl With A Pearl Earring, Pin Cushion, After Love and Kinky Boots.

Most recently, she received rave reviews for her performance in the BBC dark comedy Boat Story.

Bangor University said: "Join us in extending a warm congratulations to the incredible Ms. Joanna Scanlan who is accepting an Honorary Degree for her outstanding Contributions to Popular Entertainment and Learning through the Media.

"An esteemed and globally recognised actor and screenwriter, Joanna grew up in North Wales, with both of her parents being proud alumni of Bangor University.

"Not only has she won a well-deserved BAFTA for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2022, (being tipped as a future Oscar winner), but she has also graciously shared her wisdom and experiences with our students by delivering inspiring career talks.

"Her remarkable work in renowned series like The Thick of It, Getting On, Puppy Love, No Offence, and more recently, Gentleman Jack, Y Golau, and The Larkins, serve as a testament to her incredible talent and successful career."