Linda Lusardi was just sixteen when the wife of a photographer spotted her standing at a Holborn bus stop. By the age of 18 she was a Page3 and never looked back.

Rated by our legendary photographer Beverley Goodway, as "the greatest ever Page Three girl," Linda never thought she had what it takes to be a model.

"I didn't think I was at all attractive," she said. "I was too skinny and my sticking-out teeth made me look like Bugs Bunny."

Luckily, model agents and top glamour photographers didn't agree. Neither did our readers.

Linda's hazel-green eyes, sparkling smiles and stunning 36-24-36 figure have earned her fame and fortune modelling around the world. She was voted our Girl of the Year for three consecutive years and even Page Three Girl of the Decade.

Linda, a former £30-a-week clerk in a tax office, said: "The idea of being a photographic model had crossed my mind before, of course, because it's every girl's dream."

Little did she know what was in store. Celebrity pals, a jet-set lifestyle and international fame were just the tip of the iceberg. Though Linda still kept her famous down-to-earth attitude, "I'm just an ordinary girl-next-door type with a good figure, I'm no pouting blonde bombshell."

She had an incredible following. One fan said he'd: "walk over hot coals for a kiss," while another even changed his name to Linda Lusardi.

Linda quit modelling for showbiz after 12 years and has since appeared in panto, plays, TV and films, including a stint as fiery Carrie Nicholls on Emmerdale.

We last saw the lovely Linda wowing fans and judges alike with her sterling performances on Dancing On Ice and we’re sure she’ll be back thrilling us all again soon.

Regardless of moving into a number of new professions Linda still fondly remembers her time at Page 3 saying: "I have to thank Page 3 for giving me so much exposure."

Linda, you're welcome!