The celeb kids who are forging their own path by going to university

While you may think growing up with Sporty Spice as your mum would make you the most popular girl in the class, Mel B's daughter Phoenix Chi recently revealed she found life as the daughter of the popstar a real challenge.

The DJ, 25, explained she was bullied because of her famous mother and struggled to make friends as a child. 

Yet her mother's celebrity status has come in quite handy as she develops her own career in the limelight. 

The aspiring artist told The Mirror her connections have allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a DJ, but notes that for others who want to get into a creative career it can be much more difficult.

However, while celebrity nepo babies might seem to dominate the headlines, there are a plethora of famous offspring forging their own path the more ordinary way by attending university. 

It seems plenty of celebrity children aren't attempting to follow in their parents footsteps instead heading to university to pursue a range of subjects from the sciences, to acting and film and television. 

Here MailOnline takes a look at the celebrity kids who are proving you don't have to be a nepo baby. 

Poppy Oliver 

Jamie Oliver's eldest daughter Poppy graduated from Leeds university, where she studied English, last year as her mother Jools took to Instagram to celebrate the big day.

Poppy looked stunning in a navy blue dress with a ruffled skirt and her graduation cap and gown.

She posed alongside her mother for a sweet shot on the steps, with Jools wrapping her up in a warm hug. 

In the caption Jools praised the 21-year-old for putting her 'sweat and tears' into getting her degree from Leeds University.

She described teaching Poppy to read when she was four years old and her pride at seeing how far she had come. 

Jools wrote: 'Pops this really is an end of an era and we can not wait to see what your next challenge and adventure brings.' 

Bo Jonsson 

Ulrika Jonsson's daughter, Bo, 23, has shunned a life in the spotlight after completing her training to be a nanny at the prestigious Norland College. 

Back in April 2023 Ulrika, 57, shared snaps with her daughter after she graduated from her university course.

The TV star told how proud she was of her daughter - who was born with a congenital heart condition - for reaching the milestone after always struggling with academia.

Praising more 'practical' degrees and apprenticeships she said Bo was a 'grafter and a doer' as she shared snaps from the ceremony at prestigious Norland College -where the Prince and Princess of Wales's childminder learned her craft.

The training costs £36,000 in total and includes martial arts training and stunt driving to its curriculum to cater for modern clients - many of whom are celebrities and the super-rich.

Molly McFadden 

The daughter of Westlife star Brian McFadden and Atomic Kitten's Kerry Katona - has been living a decidedly normal life out of the spotlight that she was born into.

The 23-year-old lives in Dublin where she is an acting student at the prestigious Lir Academy at Trinity College Dublin, the alma mater of Normal People stars Paul Mescal and Éanna Hardwicke.

She graduated in 2022 with a Diploma in Acting and Theatre Studies and it's believed she's progressed to the three-year, full-time, intensive honours degree, which she will complete in 2025.

Far from being a nepo baby, Molly's showbusiness connections didn't play a role in her acceptance because all students are required to audition for their place on the intensive course, which is described as being much more rigorous than other drama schools.

Appearing on Loose Women with Kerry in 2020, the youngster made a telling comment about how seriously she takes her career when she shot down rumours that she was set to appear on Love Island, insisting: 'I'll leave the reality TV to my mum.'

The budding actress instead has turned her hand to Shakespeare, appearing in student productsions such as Much Ado About Nothing, in which she played Leonora, a female version of Leonato.

Daniel Barlow 

Last week Gary Barlow opened up about his family in a rare interview as he revealed his children have no wish to follow in his showbiz footsteps. 

The Take That star's eldest children Daniel, 24, and Emily, 22 have both decided to pursue careers in medicine and physiology respectively. 

It's unclear how Daniel's career in medicine is unfolding, but it's believed he graduated last year, with his proud parents Gary and Dawn by his side. 

Gary has also spoken of his pride in his super-fit son for taking part in an Ironman challenge, saying: 'We just couldn't be prouder of our boy - unbelievable amounts of training and determination - when you put in the work you get the results.'

The singer revealed his youngest daughter Daisy, 15, is still undecided on where her passions lie, but she is also studious like her siblings. 

Speaking to The Mirror, he said 'The two oldest ones [Daniel and Emily] have kind of gone into medicine and physiology - studying strength and conditioning - and my youngest one, Daisy, I'm not too sure what she's heading for but again, she's very studious… unlike me and my wife,' he says.

'I don't think they will follow in my music footsteps but I wouldn't have discouraged them though if they did want to, it's been a good business for me'.

Tilly Ramsay 

While Tilly Ramsay looks to be following in her father's footsteps as an aspiring chef, the daughter of Gordon and Tana made sure to prioritise her education first after graduating from university in July. 

The 22-year-old achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology as she gushed she had had 'the best time at University and made some of the best friends'. 

Sharing snaps from her graduation day she wrote: '3 years and one Psychology degree later. I have had the best time at University and made some of the best friends, whilst learning to juggle life and studies. 

'Can’t believe this chapter is over but excited for the future. Thank you @tanaramsay @grodongram for all your support, couldn’t have done it without you guys'.

However despite studying psychology, the star is now pursuing a career in the kitchen, but is starting from scratch rather than heading straight into her father's restaurants. 

Tilly is currently enrolled in an 12 weeks culinary course at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland as she penned: 'I’m having the best time ever at @ballymaloecookeryschool and I’m falling in love with Ireland'. 

Lois Logan 

Gabby Logan opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of bidding her daughter Lois goodbye after she enrolled at university in September.  

Taking the broadcaster shared a snap of her and her daughter in Lois' new university room as she confessed: 'I am not going to pretend it's a breeze'. 

Her lengthy caption read: 'It’s a day full of wonderful emotion, a few tears and lots of laughter with the end of one aspect of our roles. 

'But the beginning of a new relationship where we parents have to shift our innate desire to protect and guard and allow our kids to use the wings we have helped to nurture.

'The excitement around campus was tangible, and knowing the adventures that are to come and the friendships that will be forged, made driving away a little bit easier.'

Lois is attending Loughborough university where it's believed she's studying equine sports science. 

She is already a keen showjumper and qualified for the 2021 Horse Of The Year Show. 

Phoebe Kay 

Tess Daly and Vernon Kay became one of the latest celebrity couples to experience their eldest fleeing the nest after their daughter Phoebe headed to university this summer. 

The Strictly presenter told Hello Magazine: 'I remember silently sobbing all the way back down the motorway, because she’s my baby, my first-born. I’m her best friend, really. It broke my heart.'

Phoebe has gone to university to study fil and television but isn't looking to follow in her parents' footsteps. 

She previously said: 'I like the production and editing side.

'I'd love to act but I'll leave presenting to my mum and dad. I'm just trying to understand what I want to do.'

Woody Cook 

He might be following in his father's DJing footsteps, however Woody is combining the party lifestyle with his university degree at Bristol. 

The son of Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, and Zoe Ball is studying Film and Theatre after his mother bid him an emotional goodbye back in September 2020. 

Gushing about sending her eldest off to university, Zoe wrote: '#Bristol take care of my best boy. #wooniversity #feels #proudmama LOVE for any emotional parents out there.' 

Woody decided to follow in his DJ father's footsteps after playing impromptu sets at his halls of residence at Bristol during the height of the Covid pandemic.

Although he's worked 'extremely hard' for his success, he also admitted his famous parents - who have an estimated worth of £35 million - have 'definitely helped' along the way.

He previoulsy told MailOnline: 'I think for me I work so hard everyday just to remind myself that what I've got is because of me. I'm not going to pretend I've not had help along the way - it's inevitable.

'But there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes with anything that you're doing and a lot of work that gets put in - so I know that what I've achieved so far is because of me.

'I can't help the situation that I'm in - I've just got to focus on what I do and make sure it's the best it can be.

‘I never told myself I wanted to go into music because that’s what my dad does. I’m into all the arts, music, drama - anything.

'It’s just who I am. I am definitely not the type of person that could sit in the office all day.'

Lola Anne Cox  

Sara Cox's eldest daughter Lola Anne is thought to have headed off to university last year too after she revealed she was confident she wouldn't suffer from empty nest syndrome.

Speaking in May 2023, the radio 2 presenter said she can't imagine herself being upset when the teen leaves home - but she thinks the feeling is mutual.

She confessed that as much as she loves her daughter, they've had enough of living under one roof and Lola Anne is also ready for her independence.

Sara said: 'This September she will be at uni hopefully, but I'll really be like 'make shoving motion - bye, love you'.

'Come September I might be devastated - but I doubt it. She's ready to leave the nest, she's full-feathered, legs are dangling over the edge of the nest.

She added: 'Done now - you can make a toastie. My parenting's done.'

When asked how she'll react when she drops Lola Anne off to start college away, Sara joked: 'Celebrate - get absolutely leathered.'