Scott Mills' degree of success

Scott Mills received his honary degree for services to the media industry

Southampton-born Radio One DJ Scott Mills has been awarded an honorary degree from Southampton Solent University.

The 35-year-old from Eastleigh was awarded honorary Doctor of Arts for his services to the media industry.

Scott graduated in one of 10 ceremonies for 2,000 students at Southampton Guildhall on Wednesday, 4 November.

His show on BBC Radio 1, attracts more than six million listeners each week.

Youngest presenter

A former pupil of Crestwood School in Eastleigh, Scott did not go to university but went straight into the industry, becoming the youngest permanent presenter on mainstream commercial radio in the country at the age of just 16.

After the ceremony he admitted it was "a bit strange" to receive an honorary degree - "Some people have worked hard and are in lots of debt - so, sorry!"

"I was terrified this morning so I have an immense sense of relief now. I'm very, very pleased and honoured to have received this.

He began his career at Hampshire radio station Power FM before moving to GWR FM, Piccadilly 103 in Manchester and Heart 106.2, before joining BBC Radio 1 in 1998 to present The Early Breakfast Show.

Scott also has a number of TV credits, including Skins, Hollyoaks, Casualty, and The Bill.

He has also presented The National Lottery, the National TV Awards and was most recently seen on two of his own shows on Living TV featuring the actor David Hasselhoff.

Last August - following a suggestion by listeners that he create a show based on his life - Scott Mills the Musical made its debut at the Edinburgh Festival.

He said: "I just think radio is what I know well and I feel very comfortable doing because I've done it for such along time. TV is my little hobby which I really enjoy doing but if I was a full-time TV presenter, I'd crave being on the radio - that's where my heart is really."

Celebrity culture

Despite the success of his daily radio show, Scott still spurns the celebrity culture.

"When I first wanted to do radio, it was before the weird celebrity culture that we're obsessed with now - I didn't want to be famous, I just wanted to be on the radio.

'Celebrity' wasn't the same as it is now - it wasn't all about being papped and having your picture in Heat magazine. Fame scares me but I've got it on a nice level where people just go 'Hi Scott' occasionally."

Other celebrities who have also been awarded honorary doctorates by the university include RnB star Craig David, cricketer Shane Warne, TV presenter Fiona Phillips and gardener Charlie Dimmock.