Corrie actress graduates from Open University

Coronation Street's Katy Cavanagh has graduated from the Open University with a 2.1 degree in humanities studies.

The 35-year-old, who stars as Weatherfield knicker stitcher Julie Carp, began her studies eight years ago and finally graduated at a ceremony held at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on Friday.

Due to family and work commitments, Cavanagh took a leave of absence for two years, before completing the course earlier this year.

Of her graduation, she told DS: "I'm absolutely over the moon. I never thought I'd finish it. It's been a long, long journey with lots of ups and downs. But I got there in the end. I'd like to thank everybody involved and I would recommend the Open University to anybody."

Speaking of her daughter's achievement, Cavanagh's mum Anne Collins said: "She has done very well, having got into RADA and with her TV work, but I am most proud of this because of her focus and concentration."

The actress currently commutes between Corrie's Granada Studios in Manchester and her London home, where she lives with her husband and son.