Voice of an angel is named rear of the year

Singing star Charlotte Church today landed a showbiz title by the seat of her pants - being named ‘‘rear of the year’’.

The Voice Of An Angel star - at 16 the youngest ever winner - admitted: ‘‘I’m very flattered, but it’s very silly."

The male winner was Coronation Street’s Scott Wright, who plays stripper Sam Kingston.

Church, who has performed for world leaders such as President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair, said: ‘‘I do love my bum.

‘‘It’s not skinny, it’s not flat but I can deal with that. I like it regardless of what anyone else thinks.’’

The star, who follows celebrities such as Carol Smillie and Claire Sweeney in winning the title, said she had been on a health drive, swimming and playing squash, to keep herself in shape.

‘‘It’s hard, and it hurts, but it’s worth it,’’ said Church.

‘‘I’m not skinny. You get a lot of celebrities that are skinny and I think a lot of eating disorders and anorexia start from that. I’m kind of a healthy weight.

She said she thought it was acceptable to win such a title despite her tender years.

‘‘I just think that because I’m 16 I’m allowed to get awards like this now - when I was 15 it would have been seen as sick.’’

Her ideal bottom was that of Hollywood star and singer Jennifer Lopez, she said.

However Church - who has racked up more than 10m sales - was not letting her bottom success go to her head today: ‘‘I’ve got to go and do some revision because I’ve got my GCSEs in a few weeks.’’

Brian Goold, marketing director of Slendertone Flex, which sponsors the 20-year-old award said: ‘‘Charlotte has a great rear and is already taking steps to keep it that way.’’

Health psychologist Dr David Lewis said that giving the award to a 16-year-old would send out a positive message to teenagers to look after their bodies and watch their weight.

‘‘It’s very important for young people to recognise the importance of a good shape and a good physique, not necessarily for sexual reasons but for reasons of good health,’’ he said.

I sometimes see seven and eight-year-olds who need therapy because they are overweight. I think if you get someone who is a hero or heroine for young people, it’s a useful role model.’’

Dr Lewis, who has undertaken research for Slendertone, said body shapes were changing in young

people due to a combination of fast food, more time spent sitting at computers or watching TV and the closure of sports fields around the UK.

‘‘The younger you can catch people with the idea of living healthily, the better,’’ he added.