Face of Plymouth winners: Where are they now as 2022 competition gets underway

Since launching in The Herald in 2006, Face of Plymouth has seen 18 winners from thousands of entrees. Past winners have achieved some incredible things since being awarded the prestigious title.

They have gone on to get modelling contracts, ad campaigns, feature in films and even turn on the Plymouth Christmas lights. The Face of Plymouth competition is back for 2022 and we are looking for two new Plymouth people to take the crown and represent our city.

To see what you could achieve as a winner of Face of Plymouth, take a look what past winners are up to now and what they have accomplished since taking the crown.

Entries for this year’s competition have now closed. A shortlist will be released in due course.

2006 Winners

Lucy Kirk

Lucy was just 19-years-old when she was crowned the first ever female winner of Face of Plymouth in 2006. At the time, she said it had been a whirlwind year, but she had enjoyed every minute.

“It’s been such good fun, » she said in 2006. « I’ve met so many different people and done so many things I wouldn’t normally get to do. Some of it has been quite nerve wracking but it’s been a really good opportunity for me. It helps to boost your confidence loads.”

Lucy, who was having a gap year to help her decide what career path she wants to follow, said she hadn’t ruled out doing more modelling in the future. “I’m going to wait and see what happens,” she said. “But it’s been so exciting. I would definitely recommend entering. You’ve got nothing to lose – and, who knows, something really good could come out of it.”

The Plymouth beauty got married in 2010 to James Morcombe, who she met on holiday in Spain. She gave birth to her daughter, Leah in January 2010. It’s not known what she is up to now, but if you’re reading this Lucy, get in touch!

Louis Stribbling

At the time, Louis said he’d never even thought about modelling until he won the competition, but whilst he was open to more opportunities in the modelling world, he wanted to focus on his career in the Navy.He said: “It’s something that never even crossed my mind. I’ve enjoyed it though. It’s a really good competition and it’s something that’s really good for Plymouth.”

It’s not known what he is up to now, but if you’re reading this Louis, get in touch!

2007 Winners

Tommy Rees

Since he was crowned Face of Plymouth king 2007 as a 19-year-old carpenter, Tommy appeared on BBC show Don’t Tell The Bride with his now wife, Hannah Rees.

They are still married now and have four children. Tommy runs a carpet and flooring business and even went to Tyson Fury’s house to measure his flooring which he says was a “good experience”. At the time of winning, Tommy said: “It was a brilliant day and I’m loving the popularity, especially the attention from the ladies.”

Charlotte Holmes

Charlotte entered the competition as an 18-year-old from Torpoint and has since stormed the modelling industry. After winning the crown, the brunette-beauty forged a modelling and television career for herself.

On life since Face of Plymouth, Charlotte told PlymouthLive: « Measuring success in happiness, life has been wonderful! I’ve been with my modelling agency in London since 2008 after moving to London after my year as FOP. I’ve worked for brands including Adidas, Lululemon, Oysho, GUL, Marks and Spencer’s, Women’s Fitness, Sweaty Betty and Finisterre to name a few.

« I’ve shot music videos, fitness campaigns, cigarette commercials, walked bridal shows, London fashion week and appeared on series 6 of Britain’s Next Top Model. I won Miss England in 2012 and flew to China to compete at Miss World, where I finished 7th. I’ve spent time with agencies abroad living in Cape Town, Dubai, L.A. and Bali and had a wonderful time traveling to various locations worldwide on different shoots.

« Last year I got married and have settled in Hackney, East London, with my husband and our 2 year old beagle Peggy. » Charlotte is now 34 and qualified as a personal trainer and fitness instructor shortly after moving to London and later qualified as a yoga teacher.

She has also successfully launched a retreat business – Vidah Retreats, which is a week long luxury wellness escape in Ibiza. She said: « Alongside teaching and hosting for brand events I create content for social media; with brands including Adidas, Chelsea Peers, By Rotation, Starpowa and Nuud to name a few recent collaborations. I’m a brand ambassador for Four Five, Yogi Bare, Tribe and The Sports Edit and work closely with these brands to curate events and push their products and messages out to my audiences. »

2008 Winners

Danny Harris

Danny Harris entered the competition as a 21-year-old sales executive from Plympton. At the time of winning the competition, he said: « I’m over the moon. I was so gobsmacked when they read out my name. It was an awesome night and I just can’t get over it.”

As of 2019, Danny was working as a paramedic out of Derriford. Speaking about the competition, he said: « The competition was good as I met some great people who I’m still friends with. Immediately after the competition I did some cool adverts including Philadelphia Cheese, it definitely opened doors for myself. »

Debbie Grayson

Debbie, from Saltash, entered the competition as a 21-year-old and was studying at Marjon to be a primary school teacher. Speaking to Plymouth Live in 2018, she said: « I would definitely recommend the competition! I entered the competition as a friend suggested I should, but at the time I had very little confidence so was very unsure.

« The year of Face of Plymouth, I was in my final year of university training to be a teacher. I was still quite shy but was getting lots of opportunities to try new things. During my year of Face of Plymouth myself and Danny hosted an evening for the Princess Trust.

« I was terrified to be stood in front of 100 presenting for the evening, but it definitely helped me overcome my shyness! » She added that Face of Plymouth opened many doors and helped her make lots of contacts, many who she still sees regularly, ten years later. When we last spoke to her in 2018, Debbie was working as a SEN needs teacher.

2009 Winners

Hayley Morse

Hayley Morse entered the competition as a 19-year-old from Derriford. Since the Face of Plymouth competition, Hayley told us she trained at the Guildford school or acting and is now in London working both on her acting career and for a niche perfume brand in Harrods.

She said: “The face of plymouth really helped me to gain confidence and self belief. This has continued to help me through my journey. I can’t believe it was so long ago, I made some great friends and would honestly recommend everyone to apply.”

Paul Nicholson

Paul Nicholson made it to the top spot in 2009 as a 24-year-old from St Budeaux. At the time of winning, Paul said: “I’m overwhelmed. I really didn’t expect it. My whole family are on a cruise; they wished me good luck before, but I did have my friends here cheering which was great.”

Paul still lives in Plymouth and is now married with an eight-month-old baby, Luca. He is currently the media manager for Plymouth City Patriots Professional basketball team and also works as a featured commentator for the televised home games.

Previous to this, he was a junior basketball coach for 15 years, representing Plymouth and South West England. He advised future entrees: “Don’t enter if you want to win, go and have some fun and see what happens”.

2010 Winners

Myles Easton

After winning the competition in July 2010, Myles, aged 18 of Staddiscombe, got the chance to be an extra in a German film shooting a story by Cornish writer, Rosamunde Pilcher. « I’ve really enjoyed everything since winning,” he said. “It’s one of the best things I’ve done. I want to continue modelling and would like to work in London. He added: “Doing the shoot at Kent’s Cavern was one of the best things we have done. We wore clothes that were really expensive!”

Jessica Harmsworth

Jessica was age 23 when she won. She said at the time: “It’s been quite exciting with the amount of opportunities that we have got to do. We enjoy working together. “I think the first bit, the wedding show, was fun and we’ve done a Hospital Radio show. Winning at the show at the beginning was the whole highlight because that night made everything. It was very special to me.”

It is not known what both Myles and Jessica are up to now, if either of you are reading this, get in touch.

2011 Winners

Lawrence Barnes

Lawrence won the competition in 2011, he said when he entered he was 21 and had no modelling experience. He was working as a heating engineer on the road everyday fixing boilers.

As a result of Face of Plymouth, he was able to go on to model for multiple campaigns, including Michael Spiers, Next and Moss Bros.

Lawrence said he had access to incredible events and experiences after winning the competition and most importantly, gained confidence that he still carries with him in both his personal and professional life everyday.

He now runs his own successful plumbing and heating company employing 18 full time staff members and proudly carrying 5 star ratings online.

Lawrence said: “I have gone on to use some of the confidence I developed during FOP to help my sporting success too, representing England in clay pigeon shooting and being selected for the Great Britain Precision Rifle team for this year’s world championship in France. I won the « factory division » in France to obtain the title of world champion, as well as me and my GB team mates winning the team title too.”

After winning, Lawrence was also scouted at an event in Plymouth by a Capital radio DJ.

Emma Fellows

Emma Fellows was also a winner in 2011 and is now living in Melbourne, Australia, a newly proud owner of two passports.

She said: “I moved to Australia in 2013 and have been travelling the world since. I am working in the property and construction industry as a business operations manager.

“I don’t visit Plymouth as frequently as I’d like to due to the distance but I keep in contact and am still best friends with Lawrence Barnes (other 2011 winner). I met a friend for life and I’m thankful for meeting him through the Face of Plymouth.”

2012 Winners

Amy Miles

Amy Miles entered the competition as a 21-year-old student from Plympton. She is now 31 and started an online business, Spiritik, which helps women work with crystals.

She said: “Since FOP, life has been pretty positive and enriching. I have explored my passion for crystal healing and I have recently set up Spiritik. Spiritik is my online business and outlet for helping women work with crystals.

“You will find many beautiful crystals and guides on my website spiritik.co.uk. You will also find me at several events across Plymouth with my stall full of goodies and eagerly awaiting to talk all things crystals.”

Her advice to aspiring Face of Plymouth contestants is to step out of your comfort zone, go for it and enjoy all of the opportunities. She said it’s not everyday that you get dressed up, have professional photos taken and meet lots of new people. It’s a unique opportunity, a great confidence builder and it is lots of fun.

Amy continued: “The best bit of FOP for me was doing the finale end show because it was such a thrill. I had never done any cat walks or dancing on stage; so it was nerve racking, a bit of an adrenaline rush and really fun to be a part of.

“I look back now on my fond memories of FOP and still can’t believe that I did something like that. The whole process was a buzz.”

Kadus Smith

Kadus entered Face of Plymouth as a 22 year old dance teacher from Stoke and has since gone on to judge future years of the competition. He was also involved in a Michael Spiers campaign.

After winning, Kadus moved to Dubai to be a freelance dancer and work in events. Now he is a targeted youth mentor for Argyle Community Trust as well as a director and choreographer at Rhythm City Dance Studio.

He was also recently chosen to be a baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games. He is a judge in the 2022 competition.

2018 Winners

Ellie Rimmington

Ellie, a Plymouth-based beautician, entered as she wanted to empower other women to « love themselves more ». A year after winning, Ellie urged people to stop comparing themselves to ‘perfect’ strangers on the internet.

Ellie has worked with Plymouth-based photographer, John Allen, to produce a set of pictures to « spread positivity and break the stigma ». I can’t tell you how many different diets I’ve been on over the years or how many photos I’ve deleted because ‘I look fat’.

« Or just how many times I’ve looked in the mirror and hated the way my body looks, because it’s not society’s idea of ‘perfect’, » Ellie said. After realising the importance of self-love, Ellie removed many social media accounts from her feed which didn’t make her feel good about herself, and started using her platform to spread positivity.

Daniel Heath

Daniel entered the Face of Plymouth in 2018 as he wanted to become a role model and teach people that everyone should be treated the same. He said after that first year of winning, he did some work for a mental health organisations and a small amount of promotional photo shoots with different companies.

Daniel is now managing a brewery based in Peverell called Roam Brewery that serves up craft beer, lager & ales and a selection of sourdough pizza. He is getting married next year to his fiance Bryony and is 10 months into being a first-time dad to his little boy, Roman. His advice to people considering entering the competition is: “If you were thinking about going for it, I would go for it! It’s something to be proud of if you love your city.”

2019 Winners

Jennifer Brunt

Jennifer won the Face of Plymouth 2022 competition and wanted to raise awareness for mental health. She’s since spoken out about endometriosis in the hope of helping others.

Jennifer, who is a photographer, said she frequently sees the effects of « social media Vs reality » in her job and « people have no idea what they actually look like anymore ». « I take photos of beautiful girls and they don’t recognise themselves or their face shape, » she said. « It breaks my heart. »

Jennifer has shared her own « truth » in an attempt to get others to « be proud » of their achievements, regardless of when they achieved them. Read more here.

Sammy Wightman

Sammy won the most recent Face of Plymouth competition and has recently graduated with a Master of Arts degree from dBs Music Plymouth. Since being crowned the winner, he has worked as a supporting engineer at Boomtown Festival which he said was an “unbelievable experience”.

His intentions moving forward is to become a music tutor at a university and studying for a PHD in Electro Acoustic. Sammy said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Ormrod MBE and his wife Becky for giving me a home, getting me a job and helping me start a new life back in 2018 in Plymouth.

Sammy is a judge in the 2022 Face of Plymouth competition.

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