‘Come Dine’ star is a real class act

A teacher at a Cambuslang primary school is hoping to cook up funds for pupils after winning an episode of smash hit TV show Come Dine With Me.

The Reformer told last week how James Kane, who teaches P6’s and P7’s at St Charles’ Primary, took top honours on the programme, winning £1,000 thanks to a menu based around his native Hamilton.

But kids at the school have helped keep his feet on the ground with plenty of banter.

James told the Reformer: “In St Charles,’ I have been fortunate to work in a school that even though it’s grown in size over the years, there is still a real community spirit.

“So I have had a groundswell of support and a fair amount of, we will call it playful, banter!

“The reaction has been fantastic from the pupils too, who think it is amazing to see a teacher on the television.

“It has been a long time since I was the cool young teacher so it has given me back a little street cred with the younger ones at least. Not so much the upper primaries who have been embarrassed on my behalf.

“The younger pupils are trying to comprehend whether I won £10 or £1 million pounds. So is my wife as she did not see any of it either! The older pupils have been questioning me about the stories that arose and what I actually did with the money.”

He is also hopeful that the appearance might benefit St Charles’, too.

He added: “I hope to ride the wave of my TV appearance and either use it as a fundraiser for the school or even a mass cook-a-long with parents and children, though I am better at ideas than execution so I will speak to my head teacher about the best way to drive any initiatives forward.”

James, who has taught at St Charles’ for seven years, is a long time fan of the show, and decided to apply to appear on it after seeing a casting call in a national newspaper.

He wowed fellow guests with a night based around Hamilton, from food inspired by local restaurants to entertainment from a Hamilton-based Elton John tribute act.

He was pleased at how he appeared in the finished version of the programme.

“I was conscious during filming not to do or say anything that could compromise my position but it is not something I am guilty of anyway. It is a huge privilege to be a teacher and I accept the responsibility that comes with that.

“I enjoy meeting people and most people who know me would agree I am up for a laugh and happy to send myself up in the name of entertainment, though I accept rapping is not my forte.

“The group gelled well and we have gone from complete strangers to dear friends.

“The show itself can be a little bit of a pantomime and you are encouraged to be a caricature of yourself.

“I am a very proud Hamiltonian - I just don’t mention it in every conversation.

“Though some of my pupils may disagree!”

The reaction has been fantastic from the pupils!”