Make-up queen's TV show blow

Make-up queen Suzanne Paul claims she was cut from popular TV show Dancing with the Stars after her bankruptcy became public.

TVNZ has denied Ms Paul's financial problems were linked to its decision not to use her in the new show.

But Ms Paul blames the bankruptcy, which followed the failure of her Rawaka tourism venture.

She says she was telephoned and told: "You're not the right fit," after making it into the final 30 being considered for the show.

Ms Paul, whose real name is Susan Barnes, said she enjoyed the television ventures she had been involved in, including Celebrity Treasure Island, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and City Celebrity - Country Nobody.

Not being used for Dancing with the Stars was disappointing.

Last week she was in Christchurch demonstrating to shoppers the new make-up line to which she has lent her personality, Radiessence.

She said she had been overwhelmed by the warmth people had shown following her bankruptcy.

"I had people send me letters and emails, and people sending me money. I take note of their names. When I'm rich again, I'll just pop a couple of thousand in their account.

"People are so kind. They just want to help you get you back on your feet. If they haven't been there themselves, they know someone who has lost everything."

Ms Paul, who has promised to repay creditors, said her new fortune had yet to be made. The backers of the make-up line had put a lot of money into the business and it needed to be recouped.

She admitted she ignored lawyers' advice, before her bankruptcy, to put her home and other assets into a trust, to protect her wealth.

"I don't judge myself on what I've got. I'm the same person without the money. It doesn't worry me because I know I'll have it again."

Ms Paul said she enjoyed "healthy competition" but was frustrated at battling competitors in the cosmetics market who were cashing in the old Natural Glow brand.

Some pharmacies were mistakenly referring to competing products as "the new Natural Glow" when they had no link to the make-up with which she made her fortune.

She plans to spend another two months selling the product in department stores, and has other ideas waiting to be turned into products.

TVNZ spokeswoman Michelle Camilleri confirmed Ms Paul was considered as a contestant in the Dancing with the Stars series, which started out with 120 possible celebrities.

"TVNZ thinks Suzanne is a fantastic television talent but she didn't make the final cut."