| Paula Hamilton | |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 January 1961 England |
| Height | 5'ft 8½"inches ( 1.74 m ) |
| Hair colour | Brunette |
| Eye colour | Blue |
| Measurements | 34B-24-34 |
| Dress size | 8 |
| Website | |
| http://www.paulahamilton.co.uk/ | |
Paula Hamilton (born 23 January 1961) is an English model, best known for her appearance in the classic 1987 Mk II Volkswagen Golf TV advert "Changes". In 2006, she returned to public recognition as a judge on Living TV's Britain's Next Top Model, for two cycles.
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Hamilton was brought up in South Africa by her mother and stepfather but moved to Hertfordshire when she was eight years old.[1] She is dyslexic and didn't learn to read and write until she was 11.[1] Paula attended the Licensed Victuallers School in Slough along with Simon Cowell and Nicholas Cowell who both attended for 1 year. She left school at 16. Hamilton has four half-siblings.[1]
At the age of 17, after several rejections as a model, Paula moved to Tokyo and worked for 18 months. She then established herself in Australia and Germany before moving to Italy.[2] After being discovered by photographer David Bailey, she became the main model of the Queen's couturier Sir Hardy Amies. Her successful modelling career was, however, hampered by her battles against alcohol and cocaine. During a tough interview with top Italian photographer Fabrizio Ferrei, Paula was told her hair was too long for the job. She promptly cut her hair, got the job, and went on to learn the tricks of the trade at Ferrei's side.
Hamilton reached the zenith of her modelling career at the age of 27, when she appeared in an iconic 1987 television advert for the Volkswagen Golf. "Changes" starred Hamilton, made up to resemble Diana, Princess of Wales. She is seen leaving her husband, posting her wedding ring back through the letterbox, ditching her fur coat, and throwing the house keys at the cat - but keeping the car keys. "If only everything in life was as reliable as a Volkswagen" ran the tagline. The advert began a new era in car advertising.[3]
In 1996, Hamilton featured in the music video accompanying hugely successful British boyband Take That's last single "How Deep Is Your Love" in the 1990s. The single reached number one on the UK singles chart.
In 2000 she went to New Zealand to study Business.[1]
In 2006, it was announced that Hamilton, at the age of 45, had been re-signed by the leading agency Models 1, who hoped to capitalise on the popularity of more mature models, led by Twiggy and her successful advertising campaign for Marks & Spencer.[4]
Hamilton was also a mentor and judge on the second and third series of Britain's Next Top Model on Living TV, presented by model Lisa Snowdon. It was revealed in late December 2007 that Hamilton was to be replaced by Icelandic model Huggy Ragnarsson for cycle 4.[5] In addition to modelling, Paula turned her hand to presenting and acting, appearing in feature films Mad Dogs & Englishmen and the Life of a Serial Killer. Hamilton released her autobiography entitled Instructions Not Included in 1996.
Hamilton is now signed to London-based Mandpmodels.
In May 2011 Hamilton starred in the second series of Channel 4s Celebrity Five Go To in which the celebrities visited South Africa.[6]
Hamilton dated Simon Cowell when she was 16, to whom she lost her virginity.[1]
She went into rehab in her twenties having become addicted to cocaine. She was introduced to the drug by her agent.[1] She was sober for 7 years before becoming an alcoholic.[1]
Hamilton had a relationship with Army Officer Sebastian Rhodes-Stampa in her twenties. After they broke up, Hamilton attempted suicide trying to hang herself from a chandelier.[1]
She married a cameraman in 1987 but the marriage did not last long. She was later linked to Lord Ashcroft and was once engaged to film-maker Henry Cole.[1]
Hamilton received therapy in 2006 and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.[1] It was revealed in 2007 that Hamilton was in fact suffering from dyspraxia.[1] She has been sober since 2006.
Hamilton recently dated former English cricketer, Ed Giddins.[1]
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