The star of One Foot in the Grave joined hundreds of students graduating from London Metropolitan University.

Richard Wilson, who played grumpy pensioner Victor Meldrew in the 1990s sitcom, was collecting his doctor of letters from the Holloway Road university in recognition of his acting career and charity work – much of which involves campaigning for young people and the elderly.

Despite most of those graduating at the Barbican Centre not being young enough to remember the BAFTA-winning actor giving the nation his catchphrase “I don’t believe it!”, it was a chance to hear some pearls of wisdom from someone who has achieved throughout his career.

“My tip would be to keep trying very hard and be patient; it’s not going to be easy,” the 81-year-old said. “Keep involved and keep your brain active. Keep in touch with the profession that you choose for yourself.”