The stripper who went before a teaching panel last week has told the Recorder he has received messages from people saying they “admire” him standing up for his beliefs.

Benedict Garrett, 31, started his career at Beal High School in Woodford Bridge Road, Redbridge, in January 2008, where he was head of the personal, social and health education department.

He was suspended when teachers became aware that students had watched him online appearing in a trailer for an adult film in June 2010, under his alias Johnny Anglais.

Mr Garrett said he had been approached by many students inspired by him eager to get into the adult industry. “I tell them get through all the academic work first for school, then if a few years down the line it still appeals, then think of the impact it will have on family and friends,” he said. “I’d never tell anyone not to go for it though,” he added.

“I’ve had one or two hateful messages, but all I’ve had apart from that is people saying they admire me standing up for what I believe in,” he said.

“Only a couple of hours ago I got an email from a parent sending their child to Beal saying she was upset I wouldn’t be teaching anymore,” he added.

Mr Garrett won the right to continue teaching at last week’s hearing but was handed a reprimand by the General Teaching Council after being found guilty of unacceptable professional misconduct.