Ridge frowns and bares it

If it's good enough for Nicky, it's good enough for Matthew in the stakes to get your gear off and get the cameras clicking.

Television personality and rugby and league international Matthew Ridge yesterday followed Nicky Watson's Fashion Week showstopper of last year with a runway turn. Stripped down to swimming trunks, he packed a mean pec.

But unlike Watson, a former professional model before, like Ridge, she turned to a television career, Ridge needed a little coaching on playing to the photographers.

Describing his appearance in the Sidewalk men's streetwear show as a once-only effort he had agreed to in a "moment of weakness", Ridge said: "It's not something I'd like to repeat." He enjoyed the backstage atmosphere but said his two turns down the runway "weren't the easiest thing in the world to do".

Production whiz Marissa Findlay had to call backstage after Ridge's first sheepish appearance in a screen-printed white shirt, his hair gelled into a Beckham-style mini-Mohawk, to suggest he slow down at the end of the runway for the all important money shot.

"You better stop for the photographers or the press will be really pissed off," she said.

On his next outing in white swim trunks with a repeat motif of shopping trolleys, she pointed to the spot and quietly hissed "stay" as the flashes started to fire.

Designer Campbell Bevan said Ridge looked fantastic in swimwear.

"To be honest most of the models in this country don't have decent bodies, but Matthew has."

Ridge was watched from the audience by good mate and telly twin Marc Ellis.

But Watson, who is due to model today, was nowhere to be seen.

He said he'd been given plenty of stick from mates, including Ellis, but in the same circumstances he'd do the same to them.

"Life's all about experiences."


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