Klassroom crush: Hugs for teacher from star

IT is a sign of the success the Educating Yorkshire series enjoyed that when TV star Myleene Klass shared a stage with pupils and teachers from the school she was the one who was the most starstruck.
Myleene Klass hugs deputy head Michael Steer, after admitting she had a crush on him.Myleene Klass hugs deputy head Michael Steer, after admitting she had a crush on him.
Myleene Klass hugs deputy head Michael Steer, after admitting she had a crush on him.

The musician, model and mother-of-two was the special guest at Thornhill Community Academy’s awards evening yesterday as the school near Dewsbury looked back on an incredible year.

Klass told the audience that she was a big fan of the show and had leapt at the chance to attend last night’s event because of her crush on the school’s deputy head Michael Steer.

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She told pupils to find what they were passionate about and follow it and she praised staff and students for inspiring their audience during the show.

“I will personally hug Mr Steer for all the hard work he puts in for you,” she added.

Life inside Thornill Community Academy was broadcast to the nation through the Educating Yorkshire series on Channel 4.

Eight episodes were put together from 64 fixed cameras set up around the corridors, classrooms and offices of the school. The show, which attracted an audience of more than three million at its peak, has turned many of the staff and pupils into stars.

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Among them is the school head teacher Jonny Mitchell who spoke of his pride last night at what the school has achieved: “I think there is a sense among everyone here tonight that they are a part of something special.”

The series culminated with an emotional final episode in which teacher Matthew Burton helped pupil Musharaf Asghar overcome a stammer to celebrate exam success. Mr Burton got Musharaf to listen to music on headphones having been inspired by the film the King’s Speech. Last night the pair were reunited as he was among the students receiving prizes and their GCSE certificates.

Mr Burton said: “Do not believe what the media say – these exams are not getting easier. They are hard earned.”