Former top model Lisa Snowdon reveals what she's REALLY looking for in a male underwear model on ITV's Lorraine
Lisa Snowdon knows she has an incredibly tough job ahead of her as she helps breakfast TV queen Lorraine Kelly and Sewing Bee king Patrick Grant launch a search to find a hunky male underwear model
Here, in an exclusive chat with Lisa Snowdon, the bubbly model and presenter tells TV Times more…
So, what can we expect from Lorraine’s Hot Pants? "It’s really exciting as it’s the first male model competition on Lorraine. We’re looking for a model to front a male underwear campaign for one season with Debenhams, and also hopefully follow in the footsteps of [top British model] David Gandy, who won a modelling competition on This Morning in 2001. You never know who’s out there…
"The winner also gets a two-year modelling contract with Unsigned Management. So we will have to get them into their pants at some point, but only once we’ve whittled the hopefuls down."
You’ve been a fashion and beauty model since the age of 19 after a talent scout spotted you, and you’ve also judged Britain’s Next Top Model. What will impress you? "We need someone with that twinkle in their eye and an amazing personality that can be caught on camera. They need a quiet, assured confidence, but you don’t want anyone to be arrogant. And if they’ve got a nice body, that helps too! Do you know what? I’ve had quite a lot of offers from friends and family to come and help me!"
We bet! How do you find being a judge? "Modelling is a tricky industry and you’ve got to be sensitive because at the end of the day it is about how you look. I used to go to auditions and look around the queue, thinking, 'Everybody looks so different to me, what are they looking for?'
"Some days I was too tall, some days I was too skinny, so you just have to take it with a pinch of salt and remember not to take it personally as it’s a certain look for a certain job. I’m always aware of that and like to think I’m sensitive of it and not make people feel self-conscious when I’m judging."
Are you looking forward to working with Lorraine? "Yes, I haven’t worked with her much before, but I’ve watched her for years on her the show and seen her at charity events. She’s an amazing woman and a brilliant broadcaster so I’m looking forward to having some proper one-on-one girly time with her."
You received a wonderful response when you filled in for Lorraine over the summer, with many wanting you to become a more permanent fixture on the show… "They’re all my friends – I paid them to say that! Seriously, I felt very blessed to get that reaction, because you never know. I’d love to do more, as I really enjoyed doing the show. The only thing is, is it’s another early morning show! [Lisa quit her Capital FM radio breakfast show after seven-and-a-half years of 4.30am starts last November]. Luckily I’ve always been a morning person."
Before you go, let’s talk Strictly. You came third in the 2008 with your partner Brendan Cole, and took part in last year’s Christmas special, paired with Pasha Kovalev. Any tips for the new contenders? "Just enjoy every minute – and try not to get as nervous as I did on a Saturday night. It’s one of the best experiences ever – I’d love to it again. I’ll be watching this series, I love Laura Whitmore and Louise Redknapp, so I’m really excited for the girlies. It’s going to be a good one!"
