Sir’s a TV presenter

1:25pm Monday 5th May 2008

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A TEACHER has swapped his schoolbooks for celebrities after winning a competition to become an GMTV presenter.

Alan Mechem, who teaches media studies, drama and English at King John school, Thundersley, beat 5,000 other hopefuls to win.

Alan, 26, of Fleet Road, Benfleet, is now off to Las Vegas to interview a host of big names.

He found out live on air he had won and was plunged straight into the deep end with a presenting slot just 20 minutes later.

He said: "It was a very big shock.

"I can't believe it, I'm just a teacher and all the other finalists had presenting experience, including appearances on shopping channels. I've never done anything like this before.

"After finding out, I had 20 minutes to prepare for a five minute slot reviewing the weekend's TV.

"The final six had been given videos of shows to watch in advance and then I had to do it for real. It was quite hard to start, but everyone said I was a natural and am already a part of the furniture."

To bag the role he had to convince a panel of judges including GMTV's Richard Arnold and TV presenter Melanie Sykes.

He had to interview Coronation Street actor Tom Hudson, who plays Paul Clayton, complete tasks at London Zoo, and present a weather report before the final two faced the public vote.

For the next stage of his prize Alan, is due to fly out to Las Vegas to spend the week meeting celebrities and reporting on the latest entertainment news and gossip.

He will have both live and recorded slots which will be aired every day this week on GMTV. He returns home on Friday. Alan said: "They are keeping quiet about exactly what I'll be doing, but it will be fun. I'm really excited, it's going to be amazing.

"I want to thank everyone who voted for me. Everyone's been so supportive especially the school for allowing me the chance to do this."

Margaret Wilson, headteacher at King John, said: "We are really proud of what he has achieved."

Alan, a former King John School pupil himself, is remaining tight-lipped about his future.

He said: "Hopefully there will be more TV. People should keep a lookout on the TV for me."