O'Grady has pledged to wear his cap and gown on his chat show

O'Grady, who became a household name as brassy blonde Lily Savage, was born and raised in nearby Birkenhead.

The 50-year-old was honoured on Friday to recognise his achievements in the field of entertainment.

O'Grady, who was a social worker for 20 years, received the honour at a degree ceremony for social workers and nurses at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.

Asked if he had any advice for the graduates, O'Grady joked: "Don't nick anything you can't sell on, don't mix cider and Pernod, and remember that God will always protect you, but carry a brick in your handbag just to be sure."

He added he "knew John Moores well because my mother had his catalogue for years" - a reference to the Littlewoods business which was founded by Mr Moores.

Now I get to go to the ceremony without doing any of the work Paul O'Grady

He said: "I'm delighted to be made an honorary fellow of the university.

"You are looking at someone who failed his 11-plus. I wasn't interested in education at the time but in retrospect I wish I had been.

"Now I get to go to the ceremony without doing any of the work. It's perfect."

O'Grady pledged to wear his ceremonial cap and gown on his ITV chat show, The Paul O'Grady Show. He was also presented with a matching gown for his dog, Buster.