Schoolgirl Lauren McCheyne has beaten thousands of candidates to be declared Scotland's next top supermodel.
The 17-year-old was praised for the way she came to life in front of the camera and for her calm and cool demeanour.
The Giffnock teen was scouted at a university open day and was one of the five finalists in the #SCOUTMESCOTLAND competition, reports the Daily Record.
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Lauren blew judges away during last month's top contenders photo shoot even though she had no experience.
The sixth-year pupil has now sealed a once-in-a-lifetime contract with Colours and Select Model Management in London, who represent singer Pixie Lott and supermodels Sam Rollinson and David Gandy.
She also won a year’s hair care from celebrity hairdresser Jason Hall who has coiffed and crimped the hair of everyone from Hollywood actress Salma Hayek to Victoria’s Secret Angels Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss.
The teen can't wait to start her modelling career.
She said: “I think I’m still in shock. I was not expecting to win at all. I thought for sure one of the other girls would win after meeting them at the finalists’ shoot as they were much more confident than me. I had no modelling experience whatsoever.
“I had just got home from school when I got the call to tell me I had been chosen. I could not speak. I didn’t know how to respond. I have no idea why they picked me but I’m glad they did and I am ever so excited.
“To be signed to not just one but two agencies is a dream come true. I can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s a whole new world to me and one I never imagined I would find myself in.
“My friends and family are just as surprised as I am because I am the shyest person on earth. Standing up in front of people to do a presentation is my worst nightmare but somehow when I’m in front of a camera it is different.”
Lauren was worried and excited about going into her first professional shoot with renowned photographer Mark K Seager.
The St Ninian's High School pupil said: “I was so nervous at first. I’d never had my make-up or hair done professionally before, so even that was an experience. I couldn’t believe how different I looked.
“It was my first ever solo shoot and I was so scared and nervous as I don’t like being the centre of attention but the photographer was great and put me at my ease and I felt really comfortable in front of the camera. I’m hoping when I do start modelling properly it will help me grow in confidence in all aspects of my life.”
Lauren, who is also hoping to study psychology and neuroscience, was spotted at Glasgow Caledonia University.
She said: “I was really taken aback when I was scouted and was told to enter the competition. I thought they were joking and it was not real but it turned out it was.
“Although, I am really into my fashion and follow lots of style influencers on Instagram, I never thought of modelling myself despite one of my mum’s friends always telling me I should.
“I’m excited about working in Scotland and going to London to work with Select. It’s an exciting time for me. I’m hoping to combine my modelling with my university studies.”
The teenager is following in the footsteps of the two previous winners Kirsty Shearer and Melissa McConnachie who are now international modelling stars.
The 17-year-old said: “It’s definitely one of the best Christmas presents I have ever received and I can’t wait to see what 2023 holds in store. I can’t believe this has happened to me.”
Both agencies predict a bright future for Lauren.
Colours’ co-owner Alison Bruce said: “Lauren really impressed us with her cool and calm approach to the whole competition. She has no idea how beautiful she is, so it’s been a great experience seeing her come alive behind the camera. We were looking for a star and we’ve found her.”
Hannah Sneath, Head of New Faces at Select,said: “We were very impressed with all of the finalists this year, but Lauren really had something special. She has the kind of beauty that clients never tire of, so we are beyond excited to see what the next year brings “
Colours was so impressed with this year’s other finalists - Ryme Chatillon, 20, from Paris but living in Glasgow; Mirrin Christie, 16, from Balmedie, near Ellon, Aberdeenshire; Lina Abdullah, 2, from Edinburgh and Chloe Ashe, 18, from Polmont, Falkirk - that they’ve offered them all a contract.
Rosalynd Ramage of Colours said: “We were overwhelmed by the thousands of entries in our search for Scotland’s next top supermodel. All the finalists were incredible and have the potential to forge a career in modelling so we signed them all but Lauren was the stand-out winner.”
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