Rhys Ifans went back to his Welsh roots to pick up an honorary degree in the city which helped make him a household name.

The 47-year-old actor was presented with the award by Swansea University’s college of arts and humanities today.

Rhys first came to prominence in cult 1997 film Twin Town, which was set in the Welsh city, before going on to become a household name in the box office smash Notting Hill two years later as Will Thacker’s useless housemate Spike.

Rhys Ifans (Swansea University)
Rhys Ifans (Swansea University)

After picking up his degree, the Bafta winner said he was over-the-moon with his latest accolade.

“Having one’s work acknowledged is always a lovely thing, and having it recognised by such a prestigious university in a city that I have great affection for means the world to me,” he added.

Rhys’ acting credits also include roles in The Amazing Spider-Man, Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows and Howard Marks biopic Mr Nice.

Rhys Ifans with The Amazing Spider-Man co-stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (Itsuo Inouye/AP)
Rhys Ifans with The Amazing Spider-Man co-stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (Itsuo Inouye/AP)

As well as successes on the silver and small screens, the fluent Welsh speaker – who fronts rock band The Peth – has had cameo roles in several promo videos for bands such as Oasis, the Super Furry Animals and Catatonia.