From fitness trainer to special constable: the multifaceted life of Penny Lancaster
In short: She was once the face of a lingerie empire, but her most unexpected role involves the City of London Police. Discover how a career spanning high-fashion modelling, television presenting, and law enforcement was shaped by a sudden change in dance ambitions and a late-life diagnosis.
Born in Redbridge, Essex, in 1971, Penelope Claire Lancaster’s path was redirected early on. After beginning dance training at age six, she abandoned the discipline at 16 due to her height. This pivot led her toward aerobics, and by age 22, she had become a certified fitness trainer. It was this new professional focus that caught the eye of a model scout, launching a career that would eventually include a £200,000 contract as the face of the brand Ultimo in 2002.
Her time at Ultimo was marked by the 'Bra Wars,' a period of intense British press scrutiny. When her contract was not renewed after two years, she was replaced by Rachel Hunter. The move was viewed by some as a publicity stunt, sparking a public dispute between her husband, rock singer Rod Stewart, and the brand's founder, Michelle Mone. Beyond the glamour of modelling, Lancaster also pursued photography and appeared on various competitive programs, including the fifth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2007 and Celebrity MasterChef in 2021.
In recent years, Lancaster has embraced roles far removed from the runway. In 2020, she joined the City of London Police as a volunteer, completing her training to become a fully qualified special police constable by April 2021. In this capacity, she performed policing duties during significant national events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. Alongside her public service, she remains active in philanthropy as an ambassador for Penny for London and a patron for several charities, even as she navigates a dyslexia diagnosis received at age 46.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Penny Lancaster
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