Stephen Fry will join a record number of graduating students tomorrow.

The writer and comedian will collect an honorary degree from the University of Sussex at its winter graduation ceremony at Brighton Dome.

Mr Fry, whose roles include hosting the BBC quiz show QI, will be made Doctor of the University at the afternoon ceremony.

He said: “Sussex is one of Britain’s premier universities. Its reputation for outstanding achievement in the liberal arts, humanities and social sciences especially is one that universities hundreds of years older would envy.

“It is an extraordinary honour to receive this doctorate from such an institution. I remember conversations with Richard, Lord Attenborough, when he was chancellor, in which we agreed that Sussex just about ruled the world and now I’m connected. I couldn’t be happier or prouder.”