Students from Swindon performing arts academy were surprised by a visit from one of British TV's best-known stars.

Ant McPartlin - one half of presenting duo Ant and Dec - was a surprise guest at the Wilkes Academy graduation event held at the Wyvern Theatre 

A patron of the academy, Ant handed out the degree awards and delivered a speech at the ceremony giving key advice to the students about the industry they are about to enter.

“It is a true privilege to be a in job that entertains and bring joy to people, stay nice and ask lots of questions,” he said last Friday.

Swindon Advertiser: The class of 2023's graduation took place on Friday at the Wyvern Theatre.The class of 2023's graduation took place on Friday at the Wyvern Theatre. (Image: Wilkes Academy)

More than 70 students received their BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from Wilkes Academy in partnership with Staffordshire University.

Alongside the TV star, students also received their award from the vice chancellor of Staffordshire University, Professor Martin Jones.

Jonny Wilkes, owner and director of Wilkes Academy, said: “It was a great honour to have both Martin and Ant with us at this significant ceremony.

“Three years have flown by and I can honestly say our students have truly exceeded any expectation we had for our first-degree graduating cohort.

“It is truly the greatest honour to witness this.”

The ceremony was followed by a graduation ball on Saturday evening at the STEAM Museum.