TV stardom for school science head Damian (From Thurrock Gazette)

TV stardom for school science head Damian

8:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in News

A SCIENCE teacher cooked up a surprise for pupils after appearing on popular TV show Come Dine With Me.

Damian Loneragan, 31, appeared on the show, which was filmed in Southend last week.

Despite mucking up his ambitious main course narrator Dave Lamb didn’t give the head of science at St Clere’s School, Stanford-le-Hope, too much of a tough time.

Mr Loneragan was thrilled by the support he has received from pupils and parents, after fearing they would give him a hard time about appearing on the show.

But the teacher, from Southend, who came second from last in the programme – which sees four contestants each host a dinner party for strangers – has only had stick from fellow teachers.

He cooked a Thai beef salad to start, Thai style sea bass for main and a lemon and ginger crunch for dessert.

He entertained his guests, who included international DJ Scott Langley, by doing science experiments in the garden.

Speaking to the Gazette about the experience, filmed in October, he said: “My wife said I would be good at cooking, so I thought I would give it a go. I was keen to cook something with a sciency slant. I love science and St Clere’s is a science college.

“I talked through all the science as I cooked but I mucked up my main course.

“The starter went down really well though. It was tiring, but brilliant.

“We have had letters from parents saying that we are clearly so passionate about science and it’s the kids reaction to it that made it for me.”