ONE of the most famous fellas in Swansea has been made an Honorary Fellow of Swansea Metropolitan University.
Radio presenter, charity champion, Swans club chaplain, MBE and panto-stalwart Kev Johns picked up his fellowship at a graduation ceremony in Swansea's Grand Theatre today.
Fellowships are the highest honour a university can bestow on members of the community.
Kev said: "This is one of the greatest honours I've ever had.
"I have stood on the stage of this beautiful theatre on many occasions but have never been prouder.
"I have shared this stage with many talented individuals but have never been more delight to share it with these fantastic young people."
Kev was born in Swansea and grew up in the Plasmarl area of the city, attending Dynevor Comprehensive as a pupil.
Following his schooling, he left the city to study theology at The London School of Theology and Regent's Theological College, which led him to become a Pastor in several parts of the UK.
Eventually he returned to the city to develop his career as an actor and to become a presenter on the local radio station Swansea Sound.
As an actor he has played 'Will Hay' in The Wales Theatre Company's production of the musical Amazing Grace and has appeared in several stage touring productions for Fluellen Theatre Company, including 'Vicar Joe' in Toshack or Me, 'Rev Eli Jenkins' and 'Willy Nilly' in Under Milkwood, 'The Grave Digger' in Hamlet, 'Hobson' in Hobson's Choice and 'Yanto Pugh' in his one man show Taffy Shakespeare.
Kev surprised everyone by playing 'Micho' in the Ballet Russe production of La Fille Mal Gardee at Swansea Grand Theatre. He also took part in the National Theatre of Wales show The Passion, directed by Michael Sheen, appearing as the MC of The Last Supper.
Kev is considered to be one of the world's top Pantomime Dames and 2013 will be his twenty-first year in Panto. He will play 'Mrs Smee' in a production of Peter Pan at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.
Off stage Kev is one of Wales' most sought-after comperes and is very much in demand as a conference and after dinner speaker. He has also written two books, Oh Yes It Is and The Vicar Joe Jokebook.
Kev has made numerous television appearances, starring as 'Geraint Flower' on the BBC Wales show High Hopes and narrating the four-part part BBC Wales series, The Demolition Men. He has also contributed to Songs of Praise and ITV Wales show The Market. Kev regularly appears on Sky Sports channels talking about his great love, Swansea City football club.
