Shape I'm In: Grand designs after modelling for Holly Carpenter

HOLLY CARPENTER is savvy enough to know modelling is a short-term career and to keep her career on track she’ll need to diversify.

TV, acting and design are all in the future mix. But ask her to single out one area and it has to be design — she studied textiles before moving to metals at the National College of Art and Design. “I’d love to have my own jewellery line,” says Holly, 22.

“I had to put college on hold after winning Miss Ireland in 2011 but I still have great connections with NCAD. I’m really grateful to have gone and I learned a lot.”

She is not about to give up the successful day job anytime soon. “I’ll model for as long as I can because I genuinely love it and I think the industry here is brilliant — it’s thriving with new designers.”

Along with a jam-packed career, she also writes a blog and is dating international rugby player, Cian Healy.

“I’m very happy” she says. It’s easy to see why.

* Holly is brand ambassador for Always Infinity, voted ‘Product of the Year’ for 2014. See www.Always.com

What shape are you in?

I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. Since I’ve got into modelling I’m more aware of my body and how I look. For strength, I train with Sophie Kavanagh about five times a week. I also do Piloxing, a combination of Pilates and boxing, to work up my flexibility about two to three times a week.

Do you have any health concerns?

Ever since I’ve become such a health freak — I take a lot of vitamin C and have a really clean diet — I don’t get sick as much as I used to. But once I fall out of my routine I can definitely get run down.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I am a big fan of the paleo or caveman diet — you avoid any processed foods and you eat a lot of protein, meat and fish, eggs and vegetables. I also avoid heavy carbs.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

I’m really strict Monday to Friday, so I can treat myself at the weekends. I might have some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream or go out to Eddie Rockets and get a burger and chips. They do Oreo milkshakes too.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I have a job in the morning and I have to remember to bring loads of things I am in bed worrying: have I packed my nude and black heels, do I have strapless bras, did I paint my toe nails, have I got petrol in my car? I am a big fan of writing lists.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Probably all gay men: Gok Wan, Graham Norton, Panti Bliss and Darren Kennedy.

What’s your favourite smell?

Princess EDP by Vera Wang.

When is the last time you cried?

I was a bit emotional at the end of the Six Nations in Paris. I went to all the matches.

Is there anything you’d like to change about your appearance?

Sometimes I would like to have big boobs but I wouldn’t get a boob job. It’s handier for my job to have small boobs.

What trait do you least like in others?

Anything to do with bad manners is so unattractive. Also, people who think they are always right and don’t take anyone else’s opinions into account.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I can be very impatient with people.

Do you pray?

I pray most nights. I bless everyone I know who has passed away. I think it is so important to be grateful.

What would cheer up your day?

Winning the lottery. Or, on a smaller scale. a new car — a white VW Beetle — if my dad decided to buy me one.