11:20am Friday 19th February 2010
By Hannah Bargery
A MUM-of-two has been proving you can be fabulous at 40 after winning a spot on new modelling television show Kitchen Sink to Catwalk.
Christine Reed, of Haslemere Drive, Penketh, has been put through her paces by the producers behind America’s Next Top Model with assignments including walking through a London market in her underwear.
Christine said: “Walking through Spitalfields Market has got to be one of the most embarassing things I’ve ever done, but I did it. We all got makeovers to start with like they do on America’s Next Top Model which was also a bit of a shock because I’ve always had blonde hair just past my shoulders and they cut it all off and dyed it red.
“I’m on page 55 of this month’s She magazine and have to keep telling people because nobody recognises me!”
The 47-year-old divorcee made it through as one of the six finalists after being persuaded to take part in the Bio Channel show for over 40 wannabe models by her son Carl, aged 23, daughter Lauren, aged 16, and friends.
She said: “I thought it was a bit of a bogus competition at first but after my son told me to give it a go, I had a glass of wine for a bit of Dutch courage and filled in the application form.
“My best mate Angie Fenney came down to the audition in London with me because they knew I just wouldn’t end up doing it if they let me go on my own. I was petrified.”
The former model who swapped the catwalks for a family in her 20s, now runs Warrington weight loss clinic Slimwise after losing three stone herself.
Christine is keeping tight-lipped about the eventual winner of the show, who will scoop an introduction with Models One agency, but did say the show has built up her confidence enough to return to the stage.
She said: “I’m a musician but the last time I performed was with David Essex 25 years ago.
“I lost all confidence but then the show came along and I couldn’t believe that women of my age were being given a chance to show what we can do. I’ve formed a duo and looking forward to getting back on the stage.”
Catch Christine strutting her stuff on Tuesdays at 9pm on the Bio Channel.
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