Aspiring male model Ross Keegan Hindmarch, winner of This Morning's modelling competition The Complete Package hosted by Harry Judd, has revealed that the McFly star was a huge support. "He's a proper sport, a great lad and a great laugh," he said.SCROLL DOWN FOR FULL INTERVIEWThe competition, which was voted for by the public, saw male models take part in challenges judged by experts including model, HELLO!'s fashion columnist and This Morning fashion contributor Abbey Clancy. "I'm still taking it all in, I'm still shocked!" said the 20-year-old, who walked away a two-year contract with UNSIGNED Management, £2,000 prize money and the honour of becoming the face of HOM underwear.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO! Online, Ross tells us how he felt posing in his pants and why he's ready to follow in David Gandy's footsteps.
David Gandy started his career on an TV modelling completion, too. Is he someone who you look up to?
Yes, definitely. He's a massive icon, a really intelligent bloke; he knows what he's doing. I'd love to meet him one day as well, and hopefully even do shoots with him. I'd definitely like to follow in his footsteps.
What advice did Harry Judd give you?
Harry was a proper sport, a great lad and a great laugh. He gave us a few tips like to stay calm and listen to the photographer, he helped us a lot.
What was your favourite part of the competition?
When we went from 20 to ten, we had to do a catwalk and introduce ourselves, and that was the first time we did a proper catwalk. Then, when it went from ten to six, we did a beach shoot and we had to get in to small swimming pants. I had to pose with a model, and obviously I've never done that before so it was a bit nerve-wracking but it was fun.
What do you do to keep in shape?
Fitness-wise I change it a lot. I think the best way is to change it up every six weeks, because once your mind gets bored your body is just going to follow. So I'll lift heavy [weights] for about six weeks, and then change to lifting lighter ones but with higher reps.
Do you keep a really healthy diet, too?
I've never really dieted before until this competition, but over the last six weeks I've been sticking to a really strict diet. I've slimmed down; I've lost a stone within a month and a bit. I just wanted to win, so I just did everything I possibly could. I left no stone unturned and absolutely went for it.
How did you feel about posing half-naked on screen?
When they weren't doing it live and they were just filming it, it was alright, but when it went live it was quite scary. But it was really fun as well.
Did you get on well with the other guys in the competition, or were you rivals?
There's always going to be rivalry, but we stuck together. We're like brothers, especially me, Tom and Sam, the last three. We got on like a house on fire, they're such good lads, and hopefully they'll go on to do really well as well.
How did you get into modelling in the first place?
I'd never really thought about it before until my mate said I should go for the completion, but I've always liked the idea of being in front of a camera. I enjoy the acting, playing roles and stuff; it's not just taking pictures.
Did you have a day job before entering the competition?
Yeah I'm in the Royal Navy! I've been doing that for four years, I joined when I was 16. Although it's great and I've done so many things there, and they've done a lot for me, I feel like it's time to move on and try other things. I was already on transitional leave from the Navy, and it's great that this came up.
What do your family think of it all?
Everyone's going crazy at the moment, I can't get a word in. I go on Facebook and everyone's trying to speak to me, all my family and friends, everyone is so pleased for me. It's great. I've got a girlfriend and she's massively supportive too, so that helps.
What is next for you?
From here I'm going to Paris to do a campaign for underwear, which will be really exciting. I've never been to Paris before so I'm buzzing, I can't wait to go. I'm still taking it all in, I'm still shocked! Words can't describe it; obviously the future's going to be bright.