A MARKETING graduate from Sidmouth who tasted fame on an ITV dating show has been recognised for her academic achievements - with a top prize and fully funded PhD.

Catherine Wilkinson, 22, who appeared on Take Me Out in 2010 with her twin sister Sam, recently returned to the University of Central Lancashire in Preston for her Masters graduation ceremony.

She was also handed the Chartered Institute of Marketing prize for the best student in the subject at the university.

Her top dissertation focussed on children’s television character Peppa Pig and the reputational risks that animated characters can unexpectedly carry through online spoof representations.

Catherine, of Summerfield, bagged a place at the University of Liverpool to complete a PhD in human geography.

“I’m so proud,” she said.