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Yorkshire actor Gaynor Faye receives honorary award from CU Scarborough
Gaynor Faye and Jackie Mathers, Chief Academic Officer at CU Scarborough
University news / CU Scarborough
Wednesday 30 September 2026
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Yorkshire actor, writer and producer Gaynor Faye has been awarded an honorary Master of Arts from CU Scarborough in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry and her role in championing Yorkshire on screen.
The award was presented to Gaynor today (29 September) during CU Scarborough’s graduation ceremony, where she joined graduating students to celebrate their achievements and mark the next chapter of their careers.
Born in Leeds, Gaynor is best known for her roles as Judy Mallett in Coronation Street and Megan Macey in Emmerdale, as well as starring in acclaimed Yorkshire-set dramas Playing the Field and Fat Friends.
It was such an honour and so humbling to receive this award. Thank you so much to CU Scarborough for giving it to me. Just to be recognised for contribution to the arts is fabulous. I love love love what I do. This is just the cherry on the top of a very beautiful cake that is my career, which I love.
I would always advise to dream big. Dreams can be made reality if you work hard and these students have obviously all worked hard because they've graduated today. So never stop dreaming, but you have to take action. Nothing will fall in your lap. You have to go out there and get it. So dream big and go out and get it.
Gaynor Faye
The honour holds particular significance for Gaynor who recently returned to the Yorkshire coast to film her first leading role in a feature film. Hot Flash, which was shot in Scarborough, Bridlington, Flamborough and the surrounding area, explores the challenges of menopause and was written and directed by women.
Gaynor is one of Yorkshire's most respected creative talents and a passionate champion of the region, its people and its stories. Through her work as an actor, writer and producer, she has brought authentic Yorkshire voices to audiences across the country while inspiring others through her creativity and determination.
Her contribution to the entertainment industry, and her commitment to championing Yorkshire on screen, make her a truly deserving recipient of this honour. We are delighted to have awarded her an honorary Master of Arts and welcomed her to our graduation ceremony, where we know her experiences and achievements inspired our students as they take their next steps.
Jackie Mathers, Chief Academic Officer at CU Scarborough, part of Coventry University Group
Coming from a family of storytellers, Gaynor credits her mother – the late writer and producer Kay Mellor – with helping transform the television industry's view of the region and championing authentic Yorkshire productions.
Looking ahead, Gaynor is preparing for the release of Hot Flash, has recently filmed an episode of the BBC's Northumbria Mysteries and continues to champion emerging talent through Rollem, the production company founded by her mother, where she mentors new writers and helps develop original projects.
Gaynor's honorary award recognises a career dedicated to acting, writing and producing, as well as her ongoing commitment to telling authentic stories and creating opportunities for emerging creative talent.
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