Watched by her brother, sister-in-law and youngest daughter, Rita gave a speech of acceptance in front of thousands of students who were collecting their degrees.

Asked whether she had any plans to come back to Liverpool if the opportunity arose she said: “I love Liverpool, I want to have my ashes scattered here.

“The city is part of who I am and it is fantastic to be here today. If the right opportunity came around then of course I would like to come back.

“But at the moment I am busy with other engagements.

“I have two films, The Calling and Broken Lines, coming out soon and I am also working with a young writer on a script which I would direct.

“The story is about a Falklands soldier on leave and how he deals with the prospect of having to go back.”

When she isn’t working , the actress has put a lot of energy into helping Cancer Research UK after her daughter, Aisha Bicknell, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2005.

Rtia became an activist for breast cancer health and support.

She and her daughter support Cancer Research UK's Relay for Life and have given a number of interviews to raise breast cancer awareness.