Porter's star turn at old school

She left pupils at Portobello High School, in Edinburgh, dumbstruck when she entered the classroom.

Porter, 36, was helping 15-year-old pupil Eve Learmonth with her school talk on someone she admired, which she based on the star's alopecia.

The presenter arrived at the school with her four-year-old daughter Honey.

"The way she's dealt with the alopecia and not let it ruin her life is amazing and that's why I admire her so much"
Eve Learmonth
Friend of Gail Porter

There was a buzz of excitement at the end of the school day on Thursday as Eve and her celebrity friend made their exit.

Porter said: "It's great being back at my old school, but I think they could do with a bit of a clean-up, we'll maybe have to find someone to donate lots of money to it.

"The kids were great as well, they just went really quiet when I walked in so I started talking and then began babbling because none of them were speaking."

Eve's parents are old friends and neighbours of Gail's family.

Porter said: "I've known Eve since she was born as she's growing up on the same street as I did, so I was delighted when she asked me to take part.

"She did really well and all the kids seemed to enjoy it, which is the main thing."

Many admirers

Porter, who has one child, has fought a number of battles since her marriage to musician Dan Hipgrave ended. She has coped with anorexia and post-natal depression before losing her hair to alopecia.

However, she has gained many admirers for the way she has dealt with the condition, none more so than her teenage friend.

Eve said: "I told a few people Gail was coming but they didn't believe me. It was great to see their faces when she walked in.

"I'm so glad she agreed to do it, it meant a lot to me because she's such a good friend. "The way she's dealt with the alopecia and not let it ruin her life is amazing and that's why I admire her so much."

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