As well as the typical pub and corner shop background for the soap opera dramas, we’re soon to be seeing affairs taking place, robberies being carried out and secrets being revealed in a much more academic setting – the universities of Cambridge and Oxford.

In a bid to help themselves appeal to a wider audience, the Oxbridge universities have approached top UK soaps such as Eastenders and Coronation Street to include them in their story lines.  The aim is to abolish the myth that these world renowned universities are solely for the rich upper class and encourage a greater demographic of society to join its alumni.

Though the figure of students coming from state schools is slightly higher than that of those coming from independent schools, the figure has dropped in recent years from 58 to 55 percent.  The target is 62 percent.

It is said that any potential plot lines would be centred around the financial packages on offer; “It is cheaper to study at Cambridge than at other universities” commented spokesman from the University of Cambridge, which will celebrate its 800th anniversary, earlier this week.