From Durham to the spotlight: our alumni in film, stage, and screen

Gabby Logan OBE (Law, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1992-1995) won ‘Presenter of the Year’ at the Sports Journalism Association’s British Sports Journalism Awards. This is partly for her work presenting BBC football programme Match of the Day, which won ‘Best Television Show’ at the same awards.

As a student, Gabby honed her performance skills through theatre. Speaking to our Vice-Chancellor in 2024, she reflected that she never expected to take to the stage on arriving at Durham, but her experiences “gave me the confidence to get up and perform in front of an audience”.

Charlotte Riley (English Language and Literature, St Cuthbert's Society, 2000-2003) is currently starring in the BBC series Babies. In her time with us, Charlotte was part of The Durham Revue.

Ambika Mod (English Literature, St Mary's College, 2014-2017) was most recently seen on baking show The Great British Celebrity Bake Off, support the Stand Up To Cancer charity.

BAFTA-winning director and producer Rosie Schellenberg (Geography, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1992-1995) recently directed the BBC documentary ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century’.

Jack Edwards (English Literature, St Cuthbert's Society, 2017-2020) was recently included in The Times’ Young Power List for his influence on literary culture online. Jack created many popular videos while studying at Durham, and now has an international audience on YouTube and TikTok, as well as a successful podcast, online book club, and newsletter.

Jack remains closely involved with the Durham literary community. At the 2023 Hay Festival, he interviewed alumna Alice Oseman (English Literature, St John's College, 2013-2016), creator of the Heartstopper graphic novels, which have been adapted for television by Netflix.

Find out more:

About student enrichment opportunities at Durham

About Gabby Logan in conversation with our Vice-Chancellor

About Charlotte Riley’s interview in the Guardian

About Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century

About Jack Edwards, Alice Oseman and Heartstopper

Durham University takes pride in the achievements and contributions of its 230,000 alumni and supporters. Stories that cite views, talks and published work reflect the individual’s contribution in their personal or professional capacity and do not represent the University’s position or endorsement.