Ipswich dancing star Robin Windsor – who is among those picking up an honorary degree from the University of Suffolk today – says it is ‘very special’ to be recognised for doing something you love.
The ballroom dancer and ex-Strictly Come Dancing professional, who grew up in Ipswich, picked up his honour at a ceremony at the Ipswich Corn Exchange in Ipswich this morning.
“I am very excited and honoured to have be given this award,” he said.
“I do what I love every day and to be recognised for that is absolutely amazing.
“Coming from Suffolk, being awarded this from the University of Suffolk is obviously very special.
“Suffolk and Ipswich is very dear to me,
“It has been a few years since I have lived here bit I always come back and it will still always be home for me.”
The West End and Broadway star had some sound advice for the graduates in the future.
He said: “Of course they have done the hard work to get their degrees and they are now about to head out into the big wide world.
“It is not easy, it is hard, there are lots of people going for the same jobs.
“Find ways to stand out that make you different, always be yourself, don’t try to be anybody you are not and that is where you will find the biggest success.”
Mr Windsor, who left Strictly in 2014 after suffering a back injury, said he was enjoying this year’s series of the hit BBC show.
“I have been loving this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing,” he said.
“It is a sensational year, the talent is incredible.
“Alexandra Burke for me is the gift who keeps on giving and hopefully she will keep giving that all the way, I hope she hasn’t peaked too early.
“It’s just the nature of the show, anything can happen and nobody is safe.
“I would love to be back on Strictly.
“If they ever asked me of course I would be there like a shot.
“But I did five years on the show very successfully and have gone on to do some great things afterwards.
“For me it will be the best show in and will always be the best show in the world.”
Richard Lister OBE, Vice Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said graduation day was a proud moment for the students and their parents.
“They have worked incredibly hard to get here and it’s a big day for them.
“It is a joy to see them on stage and the pride they and their families have.
“It is very positive for the town and for the county.
“Each one of these students are going to do out and make a contribution to society. “They are the future.”
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