Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley returned to her former college in Salford to celebrate becoming its newest Patron.
Tyldesley, best known for playing Eva Price in Coronation Street, was greeted by familiar faces as she returned to the college that served as a launchpad for her illustrious television career.
The actress studied at Pendleton Sixth Form College before launching a career that has taken her from Weatherfield’s cobbles to primetime TV screens across the country.
Her visit coincided with the college’s Leavers’ Assembly, where she shared advice with this year’s graduating performing arts students before being presented with her official Patron photograph.
The timing carried extra significance for staff, as the milestone also marked the retirement of Lucy Huntbach, Head of Performing and Production Arts, after more than 25 years at the college. Tyldesley was one of Lucy’s very first students when she began teaching at Pendleton.
Sophie Tehrani, Head of Performing Arts at The Pendleton School of Theatre, said: “Catherine’s journey from our college to such a successful career is exactly the kind of story we want our students to believe is possible for themselves.
“To have her come back and become our Patron at the same moment we’re celebrating Lucy’s incredible 25 years here feels like everything coming full circle.”
During the assembly, Catherine also presented two students with the Kerrigan Award, named in memory of Jonny Kerrigan, a Pendleton student who sadly died before he was able to complete his course.
A fund was set up in his memory, and the award has been given out every year to students who, alongside developing their talent, have shown kindness towards their fellow students.
This year’s recipients were Jamie Branchflower, from the Acting course, and Josie Dickinson, who studies HNC Musical Theatre. Both received a small cheque to help fund their next steps in training, alongside the award itself.
Pendleton Sixth Form College noted that Tyldesley’s return highlighted a “long track record” of producing performing arts graduates who go on to professional careers. The actor, who also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, is among its most high-profile alumni, alongside Michelle Keegan, Faye Brookes and Tom Glynn Carney.
