I won a TV model competition

Francesca is just 15 but managed to win a modeling contract on the BBC Three's TV programme Find Me The Face...

I'm just a pretty normal 15 year old and my life now isn't that different from before I was scouted. I love to hang out with mates and my family and go shopping. Modelling has always been in the back of my mind but I didn't really know if I had what it takes.

The day I was scouted I'd had a party the night before so was feeling pretty rough and wasn't even going to bother going into town, but my mum dragged me. I was just getting off the train when we saw a film crew at the station.

I was coming through the ticket barriers when Becky - one of the model scouts - started charging towards me. I didn't know what was going on and I was really nervous especially because they kept asking me loads of questions with the camera in my face.

I didn't hear from her for ages after that so I just thought it wasn't really going to happen. But then she called me up out of the blue asking if I could come to a casting day.

It was really exciting because we got to stay in a hotel but I was also really intimidated because I saw some of the other models in the competition. I was convinced then that I didn't have a chance of winning because they were so pretty and looked like professional models. But I just wanted to give it my best.

“things have to move slowly because I'm still at school”

Things kept getting better

I was so shocked when they told me I'd made it though to the next stage which was a professional photo shoot. That was so much fun because I'd warmed up after the casting day. We had big hair and makeup which was brilliant, the clothes were really weird but quite cool. I really enjoyed myself that day.

I couldn't believe it when I got through to the stage after that but I felt really bad for the girls that didn't get through. So although I was happy I didn't know how to react because I didn't want to shove it in their faces.

Nail bitting compettition

After that we had to go to two castings for real jobs. The first was for Elle magazine which was really scary. We had to sit behind this massive table with the editor on one side, it was so formal.The other one was for a catwalk show. That wasn't as nerve wracking but I was still practicing walking up and down outside because I can't walk in heals to save my life.

There was no way I thought I was going to win at this stage because Niamh, my opponent, was stunning and I still couldn't believe I'd got that far. When they eventually told me I'd won I was so shocked and pleased, completely over the moon.

Since the programme I've done a photo shoot for Shout magazine which was great. It was a jeans shoot with six different looks. I'm having my portfolio shots done in my Easter holiday, things have to move slowly because I'm still at school.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the programme on TV, all my friends and family can't wait and it'll be cool to say "I've been on TV!" Everyone at school's been really supportive. A few girls have been a bit jealous but I think you get that everywhere.

If you want to be a model

My advice to anyone wanting to pursue modelling would be, if you think you've got what it takes definitely give it a go but don't chase after it too much. It can be a harsh industry and it's not what everyone thinks it is. It is a lot of hard work.I wouldn't get your hopes up because if it doesn't happen you'll feel really bad.

It really doesn't matter if you don't become a model there's loads of amazing jobs out there. I'm still staying on at school, doing my GCSE's and want to do something involving sport if modelling doesn't work out. But for now I'm really happy and excited because this is just the beginning for me.