Modelling brief is best bra none for 'real' Angie

YOU might not believe it, but this lingerie model is actually a "real woman" from Edinburgh who doesn't work out and is addicted to chocolate.

The model, who has been plucked from obscurity to help front the latest Ultimo lingerie campaign, is 28-year-old Angie Mugadza, from Fountainbridge, who was persuaded to apply for the job by a friend.

A self-confessed "tomboy" during her teenage years, she answered a magazine advert and has been chosen as one of 11 women from across the UK to take part in the real women campaign. Her image will now be used on the firm's website and in Debenhams stores throughout the UK. Ms Mugadza, an academic officer, said: "My friend said I should apply because I'm always going on about how you should be pleased with what you have," she said.

"I've been brought up to respect my body and be happy within my self." She adds: "When I found out I had (been selected], the girls in the office thought I had won the lottery the way I was screaming.

"I knew it would be an amazing day but nothing prepared me for the experience. It was the best day of my life and I'll never forget it."

The 11 women underwent hours of hair and make-up styling to transform them into glamorous models and Ms Mugadza said she was surprised to see the results.

"I don't even wear make-up day-to-day so I looked completely different," she said.

"(The make-up artist] spent an hour on my make-up so when I looked in the mirror, I was so shocked. I got a lump in my throat and he started shouting at me not to start crying because I was going to ruin his hard work."

She added: "I'm a little bit nervous about having my family and people I know seeing the pictures, but everyone's just been so happy for me. My mum's so excited."

Frustratingly for other "real women" out there, Ms Mugadza says she does not pay much attention to her looks.

"I'm one of those annoying skinny people who can eat what they want," she said.

"I do a bit of ballet and I'm climbing up Ben Nevis next month for the Alzheimer's Society with a group of friends, so I've been training for that. Apart from that, I don't really have an exercise schedule."

On top of the fashion shoot, Ms Mugadza also received a free supply of Ultimo lingerie.

Ultimo creator Michelle Mone said: "I think a lot of women are a bit fed up with seeing models with unrealistic body images that they can never achieve themselves.

"This campaign was about bringing together a group of normal girls who are happy with their bodies and proud to show them off. Angie and the rest of the girls did a phenomenal job."