Former glamour model Nicola McLean has forcefully defended her career in the modeling industry. She pushed back against public criticism leveled by broadcaster Janet Street-Porter. The remarks follow a recent televised discussion on ITV’s Loose Women regarding how women feel about glamour as they age.
Speaking out on October 16, 2026, the 45-year-old television personality and former Page 3 star argued that her personal experience within the industry was entirely positive. McLean stated that choosing to pose for photographs was an assertion of her own independence and personal ambitions, rather than an act intended to please men.
Challenging Janet Street-Porter’s Comments
The controversy began when 79-year-old Janet Street-Porter criticized the glamour modeling profession during a panel discussion. Street-Porter characterized the industry as having compromised women’s broader interests. McLean expressed deep offense at that assessment.
Reflecting on her working-class background, McLean emphasized that entering the glamour modeling sector served as a vital vehicle for changing her life circumstances after growing up on a council estate. While she acknowledged that some former models have shared difficult stories about their time in the industry, McLean maintained that individual accounts should not be used to broad-brush and define an entire profession.
A Look Back at Nicola McLean’s Career and Biography
Born Nicola June McLean on September 16, 1981, in London to Scottish parents, she rose to prominence as a high-profile glamour model before transitioning into a fixture of British reality television. Below is a comprehensive overview of her personal and professional background:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicola June McLean |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Spouse | Tom Williams (m. June 13, 2009) |
| Children | Two sons, Rocky and Striker |
| Major TV Credits | I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! (2008), Celebrity Big Brother (2012, 2017) |
McLean modeled for Page 3 of The Sun between September 1999 and July 2004, and featured in the Daily Star from 2000 until 2006. She ranked fourth in The Sun poll for the “Best Page 3 Girl Of All Time.” Beyond print modeling, her high-profile reality television stints cemented her place in British pop culture, including her time in the Australian jungle for I’m a Celebrity in 2008 and her memorable runs on Celebrity Big Brother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicola McLean
When did Nicola McLean start her glamour modeling career?
Nicola McLean began modeling for Page 3 of The Sun in September 1999 when she was a teenager, building a prominent career in tabloid and lads’ magazine media throughout the 2000s.
What did Janet Street-Porter say about glamour modeling?
Janet Street-Porter criticized the glamour modeling industry on Loose Women during a discussion on aging. She argued that the profession had compromised women’s collective interests.
How did Nicola McLean respond to the criticism?
McLean defended her career. She stated that her modeling experience was positive and reflected her personal independence and ambition rather than a need to please men. She also noted that a few negative experiences should not define the entire industry.
Who is Nicola McLean married to?
Nicola McLean married former professional footballer Tom Williams on June 13, 2009. The couple shares two sons, Rocky and Striker.
What reality TV shows has Nicola McLean appeared on?
McLean is well-known for appearing on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2008, as well as Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother in 2012, and returning as an All-Star finalist in 2017.
