SOUTHAMPTON-BORN Radio 1 star Scott Mills has already won a place in the hearts of millions of listeners, written a musical about his own life, and even become best of friends with the Hoff.

Now, the DJ, who grew up in Eastleigh, is following in the footsteps of Craig David, Shane Warne, Fiona Phillips and Charlie Dimmock by picking up an honorary degree from Southampton Solent University.

The former Crestwood School pupil, 35, who hosts Radio 1’s drivetime The Scott Mills Show, will line up alongside thousands of students next month when he receives the honorary award of Doctor of Arts.

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At the age of 16, Scott became the youngest radio presenter in the country when he landed the “graveyard” early morning slot on Power FM after bombarding station chiefs with demo tapes.

After a stint on the Segensworth-based station’s drivetime show, he moved on to radio jobs in Bristol, Manchester and London, before joining Radio 1 in 1998.

He has been presenting his current 4pm- 7pm show since 2004.

In August this year, Scott Mills the Musical ran at the Edinburgh Festival, after listeners suggested the DJ create a show based on his life.

And he’s also played out part of his life in front of the TV cameras.

Earlier this year he returned to his old school in Shakespeare Road, Eastleigh, for a visit with Baywatch star David Hasselhoff, when the pair were filming a six-part reality show based on Scott’s life as a follow- up to his Living With The Hoff documentary.

A regular host of the National Lottery draws, he has also made cameo TV appearances on Casualty, Hollyoaks and The Bill, as well as appearing on Mastermind, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and The Sunday Night Project.

Other recipients of honorary awards from Solent University this year will include ex-Saints legend and Daily Echo columnist Terry Paine, Isle of Wight-based actress Celia Imrie, sailors Alex Thomson and Paul Goodison, author Kathy Lette, and head of P&O cruises Carol Marlow.

Only last week Winchester University gave an honorary doctorate to grumpy comedian Jack Dee and TV presenter David Frost.

The degrees will be handed out at the university’s graduation ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall between November 2 and 6.