Did you know all these famous faces went to the University of Brighton?

If the city had its own wall of fame, these actors, musicians, and television stars would definitely top the list:

Saira Khan

The Argus:

Saira Khan said 2020 had made her ‘reflect’ on her life  as she left Loose Women (Ian West/PA)

Television presenter and businesswoman Saira Khan attended the University of Brighton where she studied humanities. 

In 2005, she was a contestant on the first series of the business-reality show, The Apprentice, finishing as the runner-up.

Since then she has co-hosted The Martin Lewis Money Show and from 2015 to 2020 she was a regular panellist on ITV talk show Loose Women. 

She also competed in the eighteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2016, and in 2019, she competed in the eleventh series of Dancing on Ice.

Chris Barrie

The Argus: Chris Barrie second left in Red Dwarf - PA

Famous actor, comedian and impressionist Chris Barrie read combined studies at the University of Brighton when it was Brighton Polytechnic. 

However he dropped out and became a grave filler before going on to stardom.

He worked as a vocal impressionist on the ITV sketch show Spitting Image and later starred as Arnold Rimmer in the sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf.

Combined Studies
Actor, comedian and impressionist

Cameron Leslie

The Argus:

Fabric was one of London's most iconic nightclubs (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Cameron Leslie studied International Hospitality Management at the University of Brighton and went on to become a hugely successful businessman. 

The founder of one of London's most iconic nightclub's Fabric, Leslie 
Founder of London nightclub Fabric.

However the club sadly closed amid drug concerns after launching its #SaveFabric campaign in 2016.

Julien Macdonald OBE

The Argus: Model Winnie Harlow (right) with Julien Macdonald on the catwalk during his London Fashion Week show held at St John’s Hyde Park, 2018 - PA

Known as the king of glamour, Julien McDonald also attended the University of Brighton where he studied  Fashion Textiles Design with Business Studies.

The world-famous designer was named "British Fashion Designer of the Year" in 2001 and in the same year was appointed as chief designer at Givenchy.

Macdonald's dresses have been worn by celebrities including Kylie Minogue, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.

Munroe Bergdorf

The Argus:
Studying English Language and Media at the University of Brighton, Munroe Bergdorf is one of the most high-profile and influential social activists in the UK. 

Bergdorf won ‘Changemaker of the Year’ at the 2018 Cosmopolitan Awards and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2019 by the University of Brighton.

She joined UN Women UK as an advocate in 2019, supporting its #DrawALine campaign, aiming to put a stop to female genital mutilation (FGM).

Joseph Mount

 

 

Joseph Mount is one of the founding members of electronic music group Metronomy. 

He currently plays the keyboard, guitar and sings vocals for the band. 

The indie group headlined the final set of the iconic music festival Secret Garden Party when it closed in 2017.

He studied Music and Visual Art at the University of Brighton. 

Orlando Weeks

The Argus:

The Maccabees, Orlando Weeks centre (PA)

Member of The Maccabees, Orlando Weeks also attended the University of Brighton.

The legendary indie-rock band split in 2016 after 14-years together. 

The band are best known for hits including Toothpaste Kisses and Something Like Happiness.

Jo Whiley

The Argus:
The radio presenter Jo Whiley went to Brighton Polytechnic where she studied Applied Languages. 

The DJ, radio and TV presenter currently hosts her own weekday evening show on BBC Radio 2.

She was the host of the long-running weekday later weekend Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 1. 

Whiley is also the presenter of many major music festivals including Glastonbury. 

Did you see any of these famous faces around the city? Let us know in the comments.