Sheffield has seen its fair share of stars over the years. But did you know quite how many celebrities have graced its halls? Check them out…
1. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Profession: Track and field athlete
Famous for: The best British heptathlete of all time, Ennis claimed a gold medal in the London 2012 Olympics. She was voted as GB’s favourite sporting hero in a Sport Relief poll in January 2016.
After excelling in sports at school, Ennis decided to continue her education and study a psychology degree at the University of Sheffield. She graduated in 2007 with a 2:2.
2. Dr Helen Sharman
Profession: Chemist
Famous for: Dr Sharman became the first British astronaut after responding to a radio advertisement asking for Brits to apply to go to space. She set off on May 18, 1991 spending eight days — mostly at the Mir space station. Her tasks included conducting medical and agricultural tests.
The Sheffield-native secured a BSc in chemistry from the University of Sheffield. After she went to Birkbeck in London to obtain her PhD.
3. Dr Sid Lowe
Profession: Sports journalist
Famous for: Dr Lowe is probably best known for his appearances on The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast and his writing for the same website. However, he also has a number of other gigs including writing for World Soccer and FourFourTwo magazines.
Dr Lowe completed his PhD at the University of Sheffield in February 2008, with his thesis titled The Juventud de Acción Popular in Spain, 1932-1937.
4. Jonathan Arnott
Profession: Politician
Famous for: Mr Arnott joined UKIP in 2001 and launched a bid to become leader after the resignation of Nigel Farge — he eventually withdrew his bid. He has served as a Member Of The European Parliament from 2014.
Arnott completed a masters degree in mathematics and is also an enthusiastic board gamer. Mr Arnott is a former member of the England under-21 squad and represented Great Britain at Stratego.
5. Amy Johnson
Profession: Pilot
Famous for: Ms Johnson was a pioneering pilot and became the first female aviator to make a solo trip from Britain to Australia. She flew in the Second World War and died during a ferry flight in 1941.
She graduated with a degree in economics from Sheffield Uni in 1926, and the university has honoured her by naming the Department of Control and Systems Engineering building, the Amy Johnson Building.
6. David Wetherill
Profession: Team GB table tennis player
Famous for: Wetherill wore the Great Britain colours at two Paralympic Games, in Beijing 2008 and then London 2012. In the games, Wetherill pulled off an incredible point-winning shot, which was labelled ‘shot of the Games’ (check out the video above).
He also won a bronze medal in the singles and silver in the team event at the 2015 European Championships.
David completed a bachelors degree in biological chemistry in 2011.
7. Tim Key
Profession: Comedian and performance poet
Famous for: Mr Key is best known for his award-winning stand-up. He claimed the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009 and was nominated for the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality.
Key studied Russian at Sheffield but followed his heart in becoming a comedian.
Despite Sheffield having pretty noteworthy alumni, these are the unis that are the most popular with the rich and famous.
