15 JANUARY 2004
Rachel Hunter is to receive a bumper paycheque for a steamy photoshoot in Playboy magazine. The statuesque model, who has previously declined big money offers to go topless, will reportedly earn £1 million for the risqué photos.

The New Zealander was just 17 when she first turned down an offer to pose naked. And she subsequently snubbed similar approaches because her husband Rod Stewart was not comfortable with the idea.

Since her split from Rod she has lost weight, given up alcohol and cigarettes, and now says she is feeling better than ever. The pictures will appear in a music edition of the magazine, in which Rachel talks about her relationships with Rod and Robbie Williams.

"She will be going topless but refuses to be completely nude," said a source close to the 34-year-old. "The pictures will be as tasteful as possible. She's really comfortable showing off her body."