More features

Brooke Lee

One year ago, Brooke Lee spent her time working nine-to-five as a beauty therapist in Brierley Hill.

Modelling was something that she'd considered, but never too seriously.

"My mates were always on at me to try it," she remembers. "I'd laugh it off but after a while you start to wonder. Finally, I was approached by someone who offered me a photo-shoot. I just went for it. After that it all sort of snowballed."

The snowball in question is gaining a lot of momentum.

Brooke Lee

In the last year, Brooke has graced the pages of such magazines as FHM and Loaded, travelled around the UK for modelling assignments, enjoyed exotic photo shoots on location in Miami and secured a spot in an upcoming television show.

"It's been quite a year," she laughs. "The work just kept coming and coming. Within a few months this was my full-time job and I left beauty therapy. My mum in particular was so supportive."

Glamour

The glamour industry though is regarded by some as a somewhat dubious side of modelling.

"Some people can look down at it no question," she says. "Of course, there are sides to glamour that are controversial. It's completely down to the person at the end of the day. I won't do anything that borders on pornography or full nudity or anything like that. I still live with mum and she has to look at the pictures!

Brooke Lee

"People undoubtedly have preconceptions about glamour itself too. Ideas that it's sleazy and full of people who can't be trusted. I can honestly say that I've only had one bad experience in my whole career. Some of my best friends work in the industry."

Advice

For many aspiring teenage girls considering modelling, Brooke has the dream job. In her early twenties, she is grounded in her attitudes towards what's expected.

"So many girls turn 18 and rush to get into the business. There's this fear that the shelf-life of a model is so limited that you've got no chance as the years add up. But I was a few years older before I started and I'm so glad of that.

Brooke Lee

"Those few years can make such a difference. You're older and more mature. I've had great experiences but of course you can be taken advantage of. By coming in a bit later, I think I was far better prepared."

Similarly, the pressure to conform to a certain look and obsessively count the calories is one that Brooke balks at.

"I eat exactly what I want!" she laughs. "The only time I'll watch it is in the hours before a shoot – but then I'll normally call into a McDonald's on the way home.

"All these stories of girls starving themselves – it's just not what glamour is about. Having a unique look is far more important."

Brooke Lee

Boob job

"I have had a boob job. But I had it more for personal reasons – long before I decided to become a model. Do I regret it? No. But it is so not the pre-requisite people think it is for this career.

"The fact is that I've actually lost work because of my implants! Girls should bear that in mind. Having blond hair has cost me a few jobs too."

One job it hasn't cost her is her first television presenting deal. Brooke has signed to co-host a super-car show to be filmed in July 2007.

"I just want to keep on working and enjoy myself. Who know's where it all might lead."