Hard work, not just looks, lands TV gigs, says Vogue
TOP model and presenter Vogue Williams has laughed off criticism that models land TV gigs and other high-profile roles because of their looks.
The Dublin DJ was speaking as she was celebrating her nomination for Rising Star ahead of this week’s Irish Film and Television Awards.
“People aren’t given their jobs just because of their looks. Looks can only get you so far,” she said.
On her budding broadcasting career, which includes a successful hosting deal with RTE and her growing profile in the UK, Vogue said she works up to 16 hours a day: “I had yesterday off and it was my first day off in so long. I can’t remember the last time I had a break because it’s been months.”
The model also hit out at critics who write off models including herself, Daniella Moyles and Amanda Byram because of their beauty and profile in the modelling world, by saying: “I don’t feel the need to prove myself to people. I write my own column, I have done for two years, and I work really hard so I don’t need anyone else to tell me I am doing okay.”
She name-checked fellow models who are in roles because of their hard work and talent — rather than their beauty.
“Daniella Moyles has a radio show and she is up at 4.30 every morning working at it. She doesn’t just ‘have’ a radio show. And she has to do work after the show, too — there is so much to it. Radio is a really difficult job and it’s not easy,” she said.
“You can’t put everyone in the same box. And you can’t take away from what everyone else does because people aren’t given their jobs just because of their looks. Looks can only get you so far.
“My mom sent me a lovely text the other day saying she is really proud of me and I work so hard and that means something to me but I know I give everything my best shot, I push myself and I am proud of everything that I do. So that’s all that really matters.”
Speaking about the Rising Star award, she said: “I am so happy with the nomination. I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited when I heard.
“I have only been to the Iftas once and that was last year to present an award: it’s so nice to be recognised by Ifta this year. I know it’s cliche but I do mean it — even the nomination means a lot.”
The Irish Film and Television Awards will air next Sunday at 10pm on TV3.
Other nominees in the Rising Star category include Angela Scanlon (Robot Wars); Kevin McGahern (Republic of Telly); Darren Kennedy (fashion presenter); comedian Al Porter; and sports presenter Maire Treasa Ni Dhubhghaill.
Presenter Amanda Byram has been revealed as the host of this year’s awards. The 43-year-old broadcaster will front the glamorous event, which takes place this Friday, for the second year in a row.
The Dublin beauty said she was “so proud” to take the reins at the ceremony again this year. “I am so honoured to have been invited back to host the Iftas for a second year running,” said Amanda.
“It makes me so proud to celebrate Irish TV talent, in front and behind the camera, and to be the host of a night like this is a joy.”
The awards show will take place in Dublin’s DoubleTree Hotel.
‘I push myself and I’m proud of everything that I do’