New College Lanarkshire has awarded a Fellowship to Michelle McManus in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Creative Industries and charity work. The ceremony took place at the college's Motherwell Campus.
The Fellowship, which is the highest honour bestowed by the college, is reserved for individuals whose achievements have had a profound and lasting impact on the lives of people in Lanarkshire and beyond.
Michelle McManus, a singer and broadcaster who attended St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge, expressed her gratitude, saying: "I will never forget this. Lanarkshire is a huge part of my life — it's who I am. I am so honoured to be associated with you!"
She recalled her first interactions with New College Lanarkshire when she was invited to participate in Pamper Days for survivors of violence against women and girls. "I couldn't believe what you guys were doing here. These were women going through unimaginable circumstances, and they were being supported and cherished by staff and students. It was amazing."
After winning Pop Idol, Michelle reinvented herself as one of Scotland's most beloved broadcasters. She co-presented STV's The Hour, hosted BBC Radio Scotland's The Afternoon Show, performed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, appeared in theatre productions such as The Vagina Monologues and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and recently produced and starred in a BBC documentary where she performed for Pope Leo XIV.
Professor Christopher Moore, Principal of New College Lanarkshire, praised Michelle's humility and optimism. He noted that during her visits to the Pamper Day events, "she wasn't about getting any plaudits. It was about the love you could share with those who needed it." He added, "In communities like ours, which have faced much change and challenge, having optimism is so significant. You absolutely bring that optimism to everything you do, and I am delighted we are recognising that here."
The Fellowship was presented at a ceremony at the Motherwell Campus. Michelle joins a distinguished list of previous recipients recognised for their contributions to the arts, public life, business, and community service in Lanarkshire, including Elaine C Smith and Professor Margo Whiteford, who were both in attendance.
