A BOURNEMOUTH A-level student is hoping to be queen of the catwalk after reaching the final 14 of a televised modelling competition.

Sophie Ellson, 19, from Southbourne, is in the ninth series of Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model, hosted by supermodel Elle Macpherson.

Sophie, who works part time in Topshop, was handpicked by Elle and the other two judges, American model Tyson Beckford and singer Dannii Minogue. She moved into the “model house” for a gruelling few months of photo shoots and challenges after first taking part in a competitive boot camp.

A record number of auditions were held for the show, shown on Sky Living HD at 8pm on Thursdays, this year, taking in 17 cities.

Sophie, who measures up at a statuesque 5ft 11ins, and says her favourite feature is her ears, has already taken part in a couple of fashion shows and a shoot on Bournemouth beach with a local modelling agency. She said: “I dream of modelling because every day would be so varied. I would love to travel the world and wake up every morning to have my look completely transformed.

“My dream shoot would be 60s influenced, but I dread anything involving food being poured on me.”

Dannii Minogue said: “The level of talent among the girls is astounding. Each girl brings something special to this competition and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to mentor them through this series.”