JLS star JB Gill has hailed the “once in a lifetime experience” of being awarded an honorary fellowship at King’s College London (KCL).
The 39-year-old singer, real name Jonathan Benjamin Gill, said it was an “honour” to return to his former university on Tuesday to receive the prestigious accolade.
The chart-topper has strong ties with KCL, having studied theology there before joining JLS, and has continued to participate in alumni events and has also appeared at graduation ceremonies as a guest speaker.
In an interview with the Press Association, Gill reflected on the full-circle nature of receiving an honorary fellowship.
He said: “I actually felt like I’d graduated today. I’m here at a graduation ceremony – although I didn’t quite finish my degree.
“(University) is all about giving you the opportunity and the options that you need in order to go forth in life and accomplish what you want to. I definitely did that.
“I have a lot to thank King’s College London for, and I’m incredibly honoured to be here today.”
He added: “It’s an honour to be back, and to be recognised like this is once in a lifetime.
“So I’m very proud of myself, very pleased, and looking forward to the ceremony.”
Gill has received the honour due to his strong relationship with the university, and for using his platform as a singer, broadcaster and farmer to promote education, social issues and environmental awareness, KCL said.
While speaking to PA, he reflected on his ambitious career and his advocacy work, which has seen him support charities including the RSPCA, Farms For City Children and Food Origins Education.
Gill said: “I’ve always been ambitious, and I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve been able to achieve the things that I have in life.”
“In order to have success, you have to be able to pass something down to the next generation – because you’re not always going to be at the top of the pecking order,” he added.
“For me, (that is) one of the things I’ve taken the most pride in: being able to give back to younger people and the younger generations in our society, because one day they’ll be standing in this position.”
Gill was flanked by his family at the event at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and expressed his gratitude for their support.
He said: “Family is everything.
“For me to be able to share moments like this with my family is incredibly special.
“I love having them here to support me. They’ve always supported me.”
Gill rose to fame after coming in second place on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2008 as part of boyband JLS, alongside Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and Aston Merrygold.
The group is best known for hits including Everybody In Love and Beat Again, and has won two Brit Awards and had five number ones in the UK singles chart.
