It’s been several years since topless models vanished from the pages of tabloid newspapers.
The ‘saucy’ shots were deemed sexist and outdated following a widespread campaign by author Lucy-Anne Holmes and sparked discussions on the overall representation of women in the media.
But whether you loved it or loathed it, the infamous Page 3 undoubtedly acted as a launchpad for many glamour models still working today.
Chrissie Wunna, 42, is one of them.
Her career took off after she began taking her clothes off in national newspapers, until, she believes, ‘pearl-clutchers’ took her ‘freedom’ away. However, it didn’t stop Chrissie from pursuing her dream job and she’s still making money as a glamour model today.
‘I’m one of the oldest working page three model in the world,’ she tells Metro.co.uk’s Smutdrop podcast this week. ‘Isn’t that nuts?
‘To me, even from a young age, the idea of being a glamour model was iconic. I never felt taken advantage of. I felt sexy, beautiful and powerful.
‘If we can and we want to [get naked] then we should be able to and not apologise. It’s a full term career and a money making machine at the same time.’
While Chrissie insists she respects the opinions of those who are anti-Page 3, she adds, ‘They might just want to have cups of tea in Harrods and think that’s beautiful – and that’s fine. But I might want to swing off a chandelier in a sequined bikini. That’s beautiful, too.’
Brought up in Doncaster by her doctor parents, Chrissie dreamed of a modelling career from a young age, and would peek at page three when her father bought the paper home.
At 19, she made a bold move to LA, where she managed to secure a job as a model for Playboy while she pursued ‘serious’ acting roles, but eventually came back home when her Hollywood career didn’t take off as planned.
It was back in the UK that Chrissie tried her hand at glamour modelling and says she has never looked back.
‘I was just meant to be a glamour model, it’s my calling.’ the mum-of-two, tells Smutdrop host Miranda. ‘I must have been a showgirl in my last life as I genuinely love it with all my soul.
‘In my thirties I was sleeping with random boys, getting divorces left right and centre and having babies – all kinds of stuff. Afterwards I was like “right, I’m going to take myself seriously now I’m a mum. I’m going to be a serious actress again.”
‘But I ended up needing money so tinkered back to glamour modelling. It was in my forties I was like “what I’m good at is taking all my clothes off and celebrating my wibbly bits..” So I decided that it must be a talent.’
Chrissie – who is based in Leeds – will celebrate her 43rd birthday next month. She has no plans to retire her bikinis or lingerie and never wants to stop taking pride in her body.
She’s been on Naked Attraction and First Dates, and runs a popular OnlyFans account. Not to mention, she’s a regular lunchmate on Steph’s Packed Lunch. Having amassed an army of fans after her appearance on Naked, Afraid and Alone, Chrissie admits she might not have been in the ‘best shape’ at the time, but simply doesn’t ‘care any more’.
It’s the freedom of being comfortable naked more than the look of her actual body which she likes, she explains.
‘Sexy is something you feel on the inside. I know that sounds so cliché, but I still feel like I’ve got it and when you’ve got it you’ve got to flaunt it,’ adds Chrissie.
‘I want to be 80 years old having a rum in an old people’s home saying “you know what, when I was 40 I was hot. The nation saw my wibbly bits and loved them.”’
Smut Drop
Smut Drop is a weekly podcast with host Miranda Kane from Metro.co.uk, touching on sex, dating and relationships.
With no holds barred, it’s the home of sex positive chat, where Miranda will be joined each week by sexperts and special guests to explore the world of the erotic.
And we want to hear from you, too! As part of our podcast we’ll be sharing listeners’ experiences, thoughts and questions on a different theme every week.
So if you want to be involved in something brilliant – either anonymously or using your bold and beautiful name – drop us an email to smutdrop@metro.co.uk or slide into our DMs on Twitter @smutdrop.
With new episodes dropping every Wednesday, you can download Smut Drop from all your usual places.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Kirsten.Robertson@metro.co.uk
Share your views in the comments below.
READ MORE: Page 3: The biggest stars who appeared on the page
READ MORE: UK’s oldest glamour model, 71, says ‘I still feel like I’m 21’
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