London - Appearing on Come Dine With Me, Sophie Hunter-Brown proved herself to be a memorable contestant who served up a Thai feast in a skimpy dress.
So memorable, in fact, that she was recognised stocking up on ingredients at her local supermarket - where she was already known as a serial shoplifter.
A security guard confronted the teacher after seeing her on the Channel 4 show, and she was arrested for stealing from the Asda store at least four times.
As a result, the 30-year-old was hauled before the Education Workforce Council, which regulates teachers in Wales.
When Miss Hunter-Brown was on the show, which sees five contestants compete to be named best host, she threw a Thai beach party-themed night, and encouraged her guests to take part in a flirty game of Limbo. She served spicy crab cakes, Thai red curry and lime cheesecake - but it was perhaps her low-cut beach dress that left a lasting impression.
In the end she finished third, missing out on the £1 000 cash prize.
A disciplinary hearing was told how Miss Hunter-Brown turned to shoplifting at the Aberdare store because she claimed she ‘couldn’t afford to feed herself’. The IT teacher at Cefn Primary School at Glyncoch, Pontypridd, was linked to non-payments totalling £83, was ordered to pay Asda compensation and has been banned from all their stores. Miss Hunter-Brown faced being struck off but escaped with a reprimand on her record for two years.
Hearing chairman Steve Powell said: ‘There was no evidence her behaviour has affected her ability to teach.’
Let’s party! She limbo dances on TV
Daily Mail