by Abbey Maclure
Reverend Kate Bottley, star of Channel 4’s award-winning Gogglebox and Leeds Trinity graduate, will be returning to the university on Wednesday 7 November.
The reality star will deliver a talk on her impressive and varied career, from studying at Leeds Trinity to becoming a priest, journalist and presenter.
Kate will join a line-up of accomplished speakers for the university’s 10th annual Journalism and Media Week.
After graduating from Leeds Trinity in 1997, Kate followed an unconventional path to becoming a reality star.
She was an R.E teacher and head of department at a state school before being ordained as a parish priest in 2009.
Following her appearance on Gogglebox from 2014-16, Kate has become a regular face on TV. She presents Songs of Praise and has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef.
Brett Arnall, alumni relations officer at Leeds Trinity, hopes Kate will encourage current students to aim high.
He said: “We’re really proud of Kate’s achievements and the fact we can get her back to the University and say – wow, this is one of ours.
“She’s achieved so much in quite a short time and no doubt she’ll share lots of tips about how she got there.
“Kate can reach such a broad audience, she’s witty and outspoken and it will be a really fun session.”
Kate’s Trinity Talk will include a drink and refreshments on arrival, a Q&A session and chance to network after the talk.
Tickets are £10 (free for current staff or students) and can be booked here: https://store.leedstrinity.ac.uk/product-catalogue/conferences-events/events/god-and-the-gogglebox-from-trinity-to-telly