SHE'S dated the most desired man in Hollywood and is regularly labelled one of the most beautiful women in the world - but that doesn't mean supermodel Lisa Snowdon has tired of her humble Essex connections.

There can't be many models who actually look better in the flesh than in the airbrushed photographs we see in magazines, but the 37-year-old supermodel turned actress and now TV presenter, is definitely one of them.

The Echo caught up with the bubbly 5ft 7 inch tall brunette beauty at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock to judge a modelling contest.

The Face of Tigra 2008 competition saw scores of wannabe models walking down a specially built catwalk in the middle of the centre, hoping to win a place in the next series of Britain's Next Top Model, which Lisa presents for Living TV.

Wearing a stunning black and white print dress with skyscraper high platforms, a flawless looking Lisa caused a sensation among the crowds of delighted spectators as she led the panel of judges.

Although she was the one doing the judging, Lisa remembers the days she too was being judged on every move while starting out in the industry, "This is a tough business. You've got to have a backbone and be able to take rejection if you want to make it.

"In the early days of my career I was turned down so many times for jobs, but it makes you stronger.

"When you are rejected at first it makes you analyse yourself and think about every flaw, but you get to a point when you realise you can't go on like that anymore -- you can't keep taking it personally or you'll go mad.

"Over the years, as my career took off, I learnt to accept the fact that sometimes you just don't have the right look for a certain job. It doesn't mean you're never going to work again."

With her friendly persona Lisa finds giving the contestants on Britain's Next Top Model the benefit of her almost 20 years experience in the modelling industry comes quite naturally.

"Sometimes you do get close to the girls on the show. You can't help it. I've shed a few tears when someone's been voted off, but I try to support them in any way I can, I've been in this business a long time so I hope I've got some good advice to share."

Lisa has worked with some of the most respected photographers in the world and has graced the covers of the most high profile fashion magazines including Vogue and Cosmopolitan.

She's also made lad's mag FHM'S most beautiful women countdown every year and carved herself out a hugely successful career fronting countless TV and magazine advertising campaigns.

But she gained the most column inches when she dated Hollywood superstar George Clooney on and off for five years.

Although the pair broke up they have remained friends and Lisa even admits to missing hanging out with Clooney's pet pot bellied pig at his Hollywood home.

Coming down to Lakeside for the Face of Tigra contest wasn't a totally new experience for Lisa, who was spotted by a model agent at the age of 19 while dancing on a podium at a London nightclub.

"I love Essex and am proud to be an Essex girl," said the star, who lives in an Edwardian house on the edge of Epping Forest.

"My family and I often come to Lakeside to browse," she said.

Winner of Britain's Next Top Model Series 3 - Wickford's Lauren McAvoy - also made a guest appearance in the Face of Tigra 2008 competition.

Lauren, 21 of Park Lodge was crowned the winner of the series last year.

Just back from a modelling shoot in Mexico she told the Echo: "I've hardly had time. Since I won the show I've travelled all around Europe modelling for Vauxhall and Ruby&Millie cosmetics. I miss my family and friends when I'm away.

When Lauren does get time off from posing for the camera she likes going out for a drink with her friends in Wickford."

Lauren lives close to another of Wickford's famous faces, Celebrity Big Brother winner Chantelle Houghton.

Now she's a successful model Lauren gets to rub shoulders with the stars regularly.

"I've been to some pretty cool parties and met some famous people," she said.

"I've met the footballer Freddie Ljungberg and went out with him a few times, though I probably shouldn't tell you that!"