9 famous people who studied at The University of Sheffield you probably never knew including Eddie Izzard, Dan Walker and astronaut Dr Helen Sharman

Deputy Editor

Published 17th Sep 2022, 04:45 BST

Many students will soon be starting their courses at The University of Sheffield.

There are many graduates who have gone on to make waves in academia, economics, politics, culture, sport, law and more besides.

Here are 9 prominent individuals who gained a degree from the institution that you probably didn’t know about.

BBC Breakfast host and sports journalist Dan Walker studied history at Sheffield University, then took an MA in journalism there.

1. Dan Walker

BBC Breakfast host and sports journalist Dan Walker studied history at Sheffield University, then took an MA in journalism there. Photo: Jeff Spicer

Born in France and brought up in Ireland and England, Eddie Izzard studied accountancy at Sheffield University but the entertainer left the course to pursue a career in comedy. Eddie was later awarded an honorary degree and more recently has expressed a desire to stand as an MP in the city.

2. Eddie Izzard

Born in France and brought up in Ireland and England, Eddie Izzard studied accountancy at Sheffield University but the entertainer left the course to pursue a career in comedy. Eddie was later awarded an honorary degree and more recently has expressed a desire to stand as an MP in the city. Photo: Getty Images

Sheffield-born Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill studied psychology at Sheffield University.

3. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

Sheffield-born Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill studied psychology at Sheffield University. Photo: Steve Riding

Sheffield-born scientist and astronaut Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, studied chemistry at Sheffield University.

4. Dr Helen Sharman

Sheffield-born scientist and astronaut Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, studied chemistry at Sheffield University. Photo: JPI Media

Helen Sharman The University of Sheffield Dan Walker Eddie Izzard