Nell McAndrew

About Nell McAndrew

Nell McAndrew's journey into the public eye began on a whim, prompted by her hairdresser's suggestion to join a modeling agency. Initially, her career involved catalog work and portraying Marilyn Monroe lookalike roles. A particular assignment in Germany even necessitated a bold decision: shaving her head. Her television debut in the UK occurred in 1996 as a hostess on the game show Man O Man.

Following an appearance as a Page Three girl in the Daily Star, McAndrew catapulted to wider recognition between 1998 and 1999 through her portrayal of Lara Croft for the video game Tomb Raider. This high-profile role, however, led to her dismissal in 1999 after she posed nude for Playboy. The situation escalated when Playboy included references to Lara Croft and Tomb Raider on its cover, prompting a legal threat from Eidos, the game's developer, which necessitated their removal.

Since then, McAndrew has carved out a successful career as a glamour model, gracing the pages of magazines like FHM, Maxim, and Loaded, as well as fitness publications such as Shape and Personal Trainer. Known affectionately as a Forces Sweetheart, she has dedicated time to visiting UK Armed Forces personnel at bases globally. Her television career has seen her present shows including Racing Rivals, Born to Fight, It's a Knockout, and The Big Breakfast. She has also participated as a contestant in various competition formats, including Fort Boyard, I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrities Under Pressure, Family Fortunes, and Dancing On Ice.

McAndrew ventured into fitness media with her first video, Peak Energy, released in 2002 and becoming a bestseller. This success was followed by Maximum Impact in December 2003 and Ultimate Challenge, Ultimate Results in December 2004. Her achievements were further recognized when she was voted Yorkshire Woman of the Year in 2003 and won Rear of the Year in 2005. She has also been a prominent figure in public relations campaigns, notably for Yorkshire Water, including a digital appearance in their "Sewer Raider" feature. Furthermore, she fronted an advertising campaign for Activia Yoghurt. In January 2009, McAndrew supported Benenden Healthcare Society's "Fresh Start, Get on Track" campaign, participating in national radio interviews and online webchats.