The accidental glamour girl

Feb 22 2009 by Zoe Burn, Sunday Sun

Work as a grid girl in World and British Superbikes followed, along with scores of magazine shoots, advertising campaigns, and work with Playboy UK.

She worked at the Brits in 2007 and 2008, escorting winners from their tables to the stage, rubbing shoulders with stars such asAnthony Kiedis and Kylie.

In 2007, she beat off Hollywood names such as Penelope Cruz, Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, Pink and Gisele Bundchen, to be named third hottest tattooed woman in the world by US magazine Vanishing Tattooist.

She was beaten only by Jessica Alba in second place and Angelina herself at the top spot.

“That was such a funny thing, I only found out when someone posted it on my Myspace page!” laughs Ann. “It isn’t a bad accolade really. There are some huge names on that list and most feature lower than me.”

Ann’s no-nonsense attitude has no doubt helped steer her to the strong-minded 24- year-old she is today. She’s not a girl who suffers fools gladly and remains determined never to let it go to her head.

“You can’t let yourself become affected by your own success and you have to take time out sometimes to be normal. I’ve seen too many girls go down this route and it’s frightening to see. They get to the point where they can’t do anything for themselves.

“I’m not exaggerating. There are girls I’ve met who have forgotten how to hold a pen or how to write. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. The modelling industry is a big bubble and there’s no way of escaping it.

“Turn up to a shoot, or anywhere there is a group of models, and all you’ll hear is talk of cellulite, or what tricks someone has heard on how to look good, or some revolutionary product.

“Models are the most insecure people you will ever meet. I know, because I’ve been there. I’ve had to worry about gaining a pound here or there.

“When you’re in the glamour industry there is absolutely no way you can cover up a body imperfection. If it’s there, people are going to see it.”

And it’s perhaps this knowledge of the pitfalls that has led her to her latest role . . . scouting and managing girls for Playboy France, she herself being one of the elite group.

“We attend parties and events around the world in French-speaking countries such as France, Switzerland and the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It’s great fun. It keeps me busy most weekends but I love it.”

Now looking ahead to the future, Ann is already planning her next move.

She says: “I’m looking to move away from the glamour. I’ve been there, got the T-shirt and all that. I’ve just had a new portfolio done along more commercial lines. Glamour girls have a short shelf life and I’m aware of this, so I have to keep one step ahead.”

And should it all turn sour tomorrow, Ann has always got her Plan B. “I’m studying for a journalism degree!” she laughs.

“I suppose after all these years working with magazines and things, I’ve got quite a taste for it. I’ve never been under any illusion that this would be a lifetime career, and you have to look at what you can do when it’s all over.

“I’m hoping the new direction in commercial work will be the next chapter of my life and after that, who knows. I’m happy, I live a life which, I guess, many people are envious of, and I have an amazing boyfriend who loves me and my job. He’s not at all jealous, just proud.

“I’ve got everything I want at the moment. Life couldn’t be any better.”