FUNNYMAN Lee Evans was left “just blagging” after being awarded an honorary doctorate of the arts by the University of East London.

In his citation, the comedian, character actor and musician was described as “a role model” to show graduates moving from education into the uncertain world of work, that they can “grow and develop” and not just in one career strand.

Lee first achieved national acclaim after winning the coveted Perrier Award at the 1993 Edinburgh festival. Since then he has filled arenas across the country and sold over one million DVDs of the tour.

His acting career has been equally successful with Lee appearing in a host of films from Something about Mary, The Fifth Element to the Magic Roundabout, as well as last year’s Doctor Who Easter special. He has also appeared in the award-winning West End productions, The Producers, Endgame and The Dumb Waiter.

At an event held at the Barbican in central London, which also honoured UEL graduates, Lee said of the honour: “I’m so proud to be among you. You all worked for this today, I’m just blagging!”