JB Gill, known as a member of the chart-topping boyband JLS, has been awarded an honorary fellowship from King's College London (KCL). The 39-year-old, whose full name is Jonathan Benjamin Gill, described it as a 'once in a lifetime experience' and expressed his gratitude for the recognition from his former university.
A return to King's College London
Gill studied theology at KCL before rising to fame with JLS, and has maintained strong ties with the university, participating in alumni events and appearing as a guest speaker at graduation ceremonies. Reflecting on the full-circle moment, he told the Press Association: 'I actually felt like I'd graduated today. I'm here at a graduation ceremony – although I didn't quite finish my degree.'
He added: '(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.'
Honour for advocacy and education
KCL said Gill received the fellowship for 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. His advocacy work has included supporting charities such as the RSPCA, Farms For City Children and Food Origins Education.
Speaking about his career and giving back, 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. 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.'
Family support
Gill was accompanied by his family at the ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London. 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.'
From X Factor to music success
Gill rose to fame in 2008 when JLS finished as runners-up on the ITV talent show The X Factor. Alongside bandmates Marvin Humes, Oritse Williams and Aston Merrygold, the group achieved five number-one singles in the UK and won two Brit Awards, with hits including 'Everybody In Love' and 'Beat Again'.
