CBeebies star says honorary degree is 'surreal'

A CBeebies star has been awarded an honorary degree from a university in his home city.

George Webster received the Doctor of Arts from Leeds Beckett University at a graduation ceremony at Leeds Arena.

The 25-year-old actor and author, from Rawdon, made history in 2021 as the first presenter with Down's syndrome to appear on CBeebies.

He said he felt "very proud" to be able to call himself Dr George and the whole experience was "surreal."

In 2022 Webster was awarded a BAFTA for Best Presenter at the British Academy Children's Awards.

Since then, he has also embarked on a screen and stage career, with roles in The Railway Children Return, Casualty and World on Fire, alongside appearing in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

In 2025, he joined the presenting team of Something Special - the programme that inspired him as a child through its use of Makaton signing.

He is also a published author and an ambassador for the charity Mencap.

Webster said receiving the doctorate proved people with learning disabilities "can do anything" and he hoped he could inspire others to do the same.

"Doing it in Leeds as well, in this arena, being Leeds born and bred, it's just amazing and to be here is just phenomenal," he said.

He said to have his family with him for the ceremony was the "icing on the cake".

Webster said he hoped that receiving the degree would help in his campaign to raise awareness of learning disabilities.

"I'm all up for being different - it's amazing to be different - it's important to raise that awareness.

"Every person's voice needs to be heard, including people with learning disabilities," he added.

Leeds Beckett University is awarding honorary doctorates to five people at its summer graduation ceremonies this year - recognising achievement across sport, broadcasting, law, healthcare and public service.

Nine-time Paralympic gold medal winner Hannah Cockroft CBE, legal trailblazer Lubna Shuja, community nursing leader Steph Lawrence MBE and children's rights champion Baroness Anne Longfield will all receive the accolades at ceremonies taking place at Leeds Arena.

Prof Peter Slee, vice chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said this year's honorary graduates represented an "extraordinary breadth of achievement and impact".

Slee said: "George Webster exemplifies the values that Leeds Beckett University holds at its heart – inclusion, ambition and a genuine commitment to make a difference in people's lives."

Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive of Mencap, said: "A huge congratulations to George on receiving an honorary doctorate, a truly well-deserved honour for his work championing diversity and representation.

"When people see themselves represented, it inspires possibilities.

"George's doctorate serves as a powerful reminder of what people with a learning disability can achieve, when given the right opportunities and support."

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