Chris Tarrant, one of the most recognisable faces on British television, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate in Birmingham this week.
But the star of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is not getting the honour from Birmingham University, where he graduated, but Aston University - four miles down the road.
Birmingham University's failure to acknowledge one of its most famous graduates is even more notable given that Tarrant turned down a place at Oxford to study at the institution.
Asked to comment by The Birmingham Post last night, the popular presenter quipped: "Perhaps they have forgotten all about me. They can give me one next year and then I can be doctor doctor."
Tarrant added: "I love the Midlands, and regard it as my second home, so it is a particular honour for me to receive this doctorate from Aston University. Although I took my degree at Birmingham University, I recall floating between the bars of both."
Birmingham University denied it had deliberately ignored the award-winning presenter.
"Chris is an alumnus of the university, and as such we have a strong relationship with him, "said a spokeswoman.
"The University of Birmingham is very proud that Chris is an alumnus and congratulates him on his success, both through his career and on the occasion of his honorary degree."
Tarrant will be recognised by Aston for his services to the entertainment industry on Friday.
The university's secretary registrar David Packham said: "We thought he was worth a honorary degree because of his broadcasting career, both in TV and radio, and because he has strong Midlands connections."
Born in Reading, Tarrant was educated at King's School, Worcester. From there he went on to study English at Birmingham University.
After a short spell teaching in London, he began his broadcasting career back in Birmingham in 1972 with ATV Midlands.
It was therethe Saturday morning TV show Tiswas - and Tarrant's career - was launched.
