She’s a real sport

Model Rozanna Purcell was crowned the first winner of Celebrity Come Dine With Me Ireland earlier this year. “I love cooking and I knew I’d produced an excellent meal,” says the 21-year-old, who was up against Brian Kennedy, Paul Martin, Noel Cunningham and George McMahon.

From Clonmel, Rozanna was Miss Universe Ireland in 2010 and was subsequently signed up by Donald Trump to his New York-based modelling agency. “I’ve met Donald Trump several times. I’ve been up in his office and have a close working relationship with him. He’s obviously still intimidating but he’s very genuine — he just wants to help young people get ahead.”

A keen sportswoman, Rozanna is brand ambassador for the Body Logic range and is running the Flora women’s mini marathon on Monday for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

Rozanna, along with four other celebrities — Lynn Kelly, Emily McKeogh, Daniella Moyles and Holly Carpenter — is set to climb the Himalayas in September. Last year she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for the Make A Wish Foundation. "I know it'll be extremely tough — it won't be a walk in the park."

What shape are you in?

I’ve got a very athletic figure and a strong build. I absolutely love exercising — I don’t just do it to stay thin. If I don’t go for a run every day, I get a bit anxious. I go to the gym and I cycle a bit, too. I recently did a 90k charity cycle for Killurney national school in Co Tipperary.

Do you have any health concerns?

I have high cholesterol, but it’s kind of levelling off now. It runs in my family, but maybe it’s down to diet as well. I don’t deprive myself of anything — I eat a lot of sauces and creams.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I always have my breakfast, either porridge or an omelette. I’m definitely not the same person before breakfast as I am after.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I have a really bad sweet tooth. My biggest treat is chocolate but also pick-and- mix — I can’t walk by one of those without getting something.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I’ve got a job very early next morning, getting to sleep is hard because I’m always very anxious that my alarm won’t go off.

How do you relax?

Going for a run while listening to music. Also, drawing helps me to chill out.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d like to invite Marilyn Monroe, because she’s such a huge iconic female. Also, Princess Diana and Dermot Morgan, who played Father Ted — those shows will never get old.

What’s your favourite smell?

It’s a tie between bacon sizzling in the morning and freshly-cut grass, which reminds me of home. Tack from horses also reminds me of home — I love if I’m passing by a shoe shop and I smell that leathery smell.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d love to be a little taller. I’m five foot 11 inches but I look at women who are really tall and athletic and I love that build. It would benefit me such a lot in sport.

When did you last cry?

When I watched a documentary on Rick and Dick Hoyt. They’re a father-and-son duo. The son is disabled and can’t speak. His father carries him while he competes in the Iron Man, so the son gets to do it too. It made me cry and nothing makes me cry.

What trait do you least like in others?

People who are not ambitious. I’m extremely driven and everyone in my family is very independent. When I meet someone who’s the opposite, I can’t fathom how they can be OK with not reaching their full potential.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I was a little more decisive. Friends ask ‘where do you want to eat/go shopping?’ and I’m like, ‘I don’t know, I can’t decide’.

Do you pray?

Yeah, I do. Most days I say my night prayers. I always have, since my first communion.

What would cheer up your day?

A really nice compliment or a phone call from my dad.