Educating Yorkshire star Mushy finds his voice – and heads back to school

The Educating Yorkshire star, better known as Mushy, had his classmates in tears as he spoke during an assembly using a technique seen in The King’s Speech.

But Mushy has had his stammer since having an asthma attack aged four, and the technique – suggested by his English teacher Matthew Burton – was never meant to be more than a short-term fix.

Now the calm and determined 18-year-old, who is in his second year studying science at Kirklees College, has appeared in Channel 4 documentary Stammer School: Musharaf Finds His Voice.

“If I could speak fluently, I would show people who I really am,” said Mushy, before heading to London up for an intensive stammer course called The McGuire Programme.

The documentary showed Mushy barely able to say his own name at the beginning, but with specialist help the Savile Town lad was able to deliver a speech to a room of people – without the headphones.

And he has even returned to Thornhill Community Academy to help teach some lessons to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. “I hope it will have a positive impact on other people with stammers to speak more and not give up on their dreams,” said Mushy.

Mr Burton spoke of his pride at Musharaf’s progress, adding: “I’m sure he knows that hard work is the only way to succeed, and I have no doubt that he will continue to work hard!”