Keira Knightley is planning to pursue a degree in English Literature, motivated by a long-held feeling of academic inferiority. The acclaimed actress, known for roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Love Actually, reportedly feels insecure about not having attended university.

Addressing Academic Insecurities

Friends of the 41-year-old actress have revealed she often dreads dinner parties, believing she is intellectually outmatched by peers who have completed higher education. Knightley left Teddington School at the age of 16 to begin her acting career with Bend It Like Beckham, but now feels drawn to the university experience.

Inspired by Emma Watson

Knightley’s decision is reportedly inspired by Emma Watson’s own academic pursuits. Despite a successful career that began with Love Actually and reached new heights with Pirates of the Caribbean alongside Johnny Depp, Knightley acknowledges missing out on traditional education.

Personal Life Under Scrutiny

The timing of Knightley’s academic ambitions coincides with speculation surrounding her 13-year marriage to James Righton. Righton was recently photographed without his wedding ring, and a change in Knightley’s company registration – reverting to her maiden name – initially fueled rumors of a split.

Clarification on Name Change

However, representatives for Knightley clarified that the name change was due to new identity verification rules. The couple also recently sold their vineyard in France, citing difficulties in maintaining it alongside their other commitments. Despite generally maintaining a private life, these events have drawn public attention to their relationship.

Family and Upcoming Projects

Knightley and Righton share two daughters, Edie, ten, and Delilah, six. The couple celebrated their tenth anniversary with a lighthearted acknowledgment of the ‘miracle’ of reaching that milestone. Knightley is also scheduled to film a new movie, The Worst, in France this summer with her former partner, Jamie Dornan.

Current Status

Despite the speculation, sources indicate that, as of now, all is well between Knightley and Righton. Both were recently seen at their North London residence with their daughters, and a source suggests Righton’s ring absence is not necessarily indicative of trouble. Knightley’s return to education represents a personal goal and a desire to address a long-held insecurity.