No kidding, Frank has a doctorate!

Feb 20 2006 By Tony Collins, Birmingham Mail

FRANK Skinner will be centre-stage tomorrow when he is presented with an honorary degree for services to comedy.

The Oldbury-born star, who has hosted nine series of the self-titled talk show, The Frank Skinner Show, is to receive an honorary Doctor of the University from UCE Birmingham.

The award is in recognition of his distinguished achievements as a comedian and his personal connection with the university. He graduated from UCE Birmingham, then known as Birmingham Polytechnic, in 1985 with a degree in English Literature.

Skinner is also one half of the comedy duo Baddiel & Skinner which brought Fantasy Football League and their Unplanned improvisation show to TV screens.

The duo famously collaborated with the Lightning Seeds for the England football anthem Three Lions, which reached number one in the charts during Euro 96 and again during the 1998 World Cup.

Skinner, an avid Albion fan, will receive his prestige award at Symphony Hall when the achievements of students graduating from the Schools of English and Law are celebrated.

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