They are the famous faces who studied in Leeds on the road at stardom. Each studied at either the University of Leeds, Leeds Met or Leeds Beckett before being catapulted into the spotlight in their chosen field. Notable names from the world of politics, media, sport and entertainment all featured in this gallery of who’s who. Did you go to uni with any of the 14 faces featured? READ MORE: 24 famous faces you may not realise went to school in Leeds LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
1. Leeds
Famous faces who all went to university in Leeds. | Third Party Photo: Third Party
2. Mark Knopfler
The former YEP reporter turned Dire Straits frontman studied English at the University of Leeds in the early 1970s. | Richard Moran Photo: Richard Moran
3. Corinne Bailey Rae
Corinne Bailey Rae, pictured performing at Lytham Festival in 2025, studied English Literature at the University of Leeds. | Kelvin Lister-Stuttard Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard
4. Chris Pine
The Hollywood actor spent a junior year abroad studying English at Leeds in 2001. | Third Party Photo: Third Party
5. Barry Cryer
The legendary comedy writer and performer studied English Literature at the University of Leeds. | Bruce Rollinson Photo: Bruce Rollinson
6. Keir Starmer
The former Prime Minister studied politics at the University of Leeds. | Derbyshire Times Photo: Derbyshire Times