Famous faces you had no idea studied at University of Leeds

Not only is Leeds the birthplace of many famous faces, but we've also had a huge hand in the development of some seriously talented people.

By Rebecca Marano

Published 29th May 2021, 15:01 BST

Updated 29th May 2021, 16:28 BST

These 12 people all went to the University of Leeds before finding success in their industries.

From Hollywood actors with starring roles in Star Trek, the leader of the Labour Party, reality TV royalty and even Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend - some seriously famous faces have walked up the steps of Parkinson.

Take a look at who they are and what they studied during their time in Leeds.

These 12 people all went to the University of Leeds before finding success in their industries.

1.

These 12 people all went to the University of Leeds before finding success in their industries.

Hollywood actor Chris Pine is known for playing James T Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman and Jack Ryan in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. What you might not know is that he also did a Junior Year Abroad studying English at the University of Leeds in 2001. Born into a showbiz family, he graduated from the University of California after his exchange student year in Leeds, before starting his own acting career.

2. Chris Pine

Hollywood actor Chris Pine is known for playing James T Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman and Jack Ryan in Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. What you might not know is that he also did a Junior Year Abroad studying English at the University of Leeds in 2001. Born into a showbiz family, he graduated from the University of California after his exchange student year in Leeds, before starting his own acting career. Photo: PA Photo/Paramount Home Entertainment.

Reverend Richard Coles first became known as part of the 80s band The Communards, in particular, for their smash hit cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way". He received his MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Leeds in 2005. He is now vicar of Finedon in Northamptonshire and regularly appears on radio and television shows such as QI and "Would I Lie to You? He recently published his book "The Madness of Grief: A Memoir of Love and Loss" following the death of his husband David.

3. Reverend Richard Coles

Reverend Richard Coles first became known as part of the 80s band The Communards, in particular, for their smash hit cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way". He received his MA in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Leeds in 2005. He is now vicar of Finedon in Northamptonshire and regularly appears on radio and television shows such as QI and "Would I Lie to You? He recently published his book "The Madness of Grief: A Memoir of Love and Loss" following the death of his husband David. Photo: Tim Anderson/PA.

Radio presenter and 1/3 of the podcast 'My Dad Wrote a Porno" Alice Levine studied English at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2008. She attended the uni with her MDWAP co-hosts, Jamie Morton, who did Communications Studies, and James Cooper, who studied History. The podcast has been described as 'a cultural phenomenon'. As of 2020, the podcast has been downloaded over 250 million times. Photo: My Dad Wrote a Porno, the live show based on the hit podcast.

4. Alice Levine

Radio presenter and 1/3 of the podcast 'My Dad Wrote a Porno" Alice Levine studied English at the University of Leeds, graduating in 2008. She attended the uni with her MDWAP co-hosts, Jamie Morton, who did Communications Studies, and James Cooper, who studied History. The podcast has been described as 'a cultural phenomenon'. As of 2020, the podcast has been downloaded over 250 million times. Photo: My Dad Wrote a Porno, the live show based on the hit podcast. Photo: From left: Alice Levine, Jamie Morton and James Cooper.

Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and chose to stay in the city to study. The Grammy-winner read English language and literature at the University of Leeds where she graduated in 2000. In 2011, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the university. She found success with her debut single Like a Star in 2005, followed by her debut self-titled album in 2006.

5. Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae was born in Leeds in 1979 and chose to stay in the city to study. The Grammy-winner read English language and literature at the University of Leeds where she graduated in 2000. In 2011, she was awarded an honorary doctorate of music by the university. She found success with her debut single Like a Star in 2005, followed by her debut self-titled album in 2006. Photo: Ian West/PA Wire

Sports presenter Georgie Thompson, full name Georgina Jane Ainslie, studied broadcast journalism at the University of Leeds, graduating in 199 with a 2:1. She has since gone on to have a hugely successful career, working for Sky Sports News, and later Sky Sports F1. She has also been a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. She is married to British sailor Ben Ainslie, with whom she has a daughter.

6. Georgie Thompson

Sports presenter Georgie Thompson, full name Georgina Jane Ainslie, studied broadcast journalism at the University of Leeds, graduating in 199 with a 2:1. She has since gone on to have a hugely successful career, working for Sky Sports News, and later Sky Sports F1. She has also been a presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live. She is married to British sailor Ben Ainslie, with whom she has a daughter. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

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