In 1999, a skint Zoe McConnell was scraping together cash for her rent in a small flat, but the sexy Londoner was soon about to see her life change forever.

Her boyfriend at the time encouraged her to give modelling a try and she promptly sent some snaps to our legendary photographer, Beverley Goodway.

Our snapper immediately saw promise in the 18-year-old blonde and invited her to the Page 3 studios for a test shoot.

After the shoot Zoe waited patiently at home for the response that would tell her if she had what it took to be a Page 3 girl. When the reply came however, Zoe was a little hasty in thinking she hadn't made the grade.

She said: “When the letter came back from Beverly (Goodway) I opened it and the first word read: 'Unfortunately…' I didn't bother reading on and threw it in the bin.

“Later, my boyfriend got it out and it actually said: 'Unfortunately, you didn't leave your phone number when you came in for a test shoot but we'd love to shoot you again.' I couldn't believe it and I haven't stopped working since then.”

2009 will mark 10 years since her first shoot and in doing so, she will eclipse Linda Lusardi's record as the longest serving Page 3 girl ever.

But despite all of her success in front of the lens, Zoe sees her future is firmly behind the camera.

She is already regarded as one of the top glamour photographers in the industry and regularly takes snaps for Page 3 and various men's magazines.

You can check out Zoe's superb portfolio at www.zoemcconnellphotography.com.