Britain's favourite stars fell victim to an acute case of puppy love when Penny Lancaster unveiled her new calendar on Wednesday. The statuesque model was accompanied by husband-to-be Rod Stewart and one of her own beloved dogs when she launched her new collection of pet portraits in London.
The 35-year-old, who is a trained photographer, has taken pictures of her showbiz pals at home with their four-legged friends for the animal charity PDSA. And working on the project was no easy task, as the mum-of-one had only recently given birth to her baby boy Alastair at the time.
"It was pretty chaotic juggling everything," she confessed. "You can imagine the scene - my son Alastair wasn't on solids so I was breast feeding and taking pictures while trying to keep the animals still."
Penny can be proud of the finished work, though. Among the big names who appear in the calendar are Sir Elton John, who is pictured with his spaniels Arthur and Marilyn, and X-Factor judge Simon Cowell, who shows a softer side to his character by posing with his cairn terrier Buster. Former Atomic Kitten Jenny Frost likewise smiles for the camera, with her pet dachshund on her lap, while chart veteran Lulu looks equally content as she takes time out with her Scottish terrier Clyde.
Proceeds raised by Pet Pawtraits, which can be bought on the PDSA website, will be used to provide veterinary care for the pets of disadvantaged people around Britain. "Animals and photography are two of my biggest passions," said Penny. "And I wanted to help people who can't afford to pay vet's fees."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
