Ellis Bextor set to shock in anti-fur campaign

Sophie Ellis Bextor is appearing in a hard-hitting advertisement attacking the fur trade.

The singer is pictured wearing a black evening dress, holding the dead body of a skinned fox.

The striking image was taken by Mary McCartney, fashion photographer and daughter of Paul McCartney, who like Ellis Bextor gave their time for free.

The advertisement for anti-fur group Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is due to appear in magazines around the world and possibly billboards.

Ellis Bextor, who has had hits with Murder On The Dancefloor and Take Me Home, said: "I think fur is really pathetic when there are so many alternatives.

"I'm part of a generation that grew up with the 'We'd rather go naked than wear fur campaign' and it's something that really struck a chord with me.

"To me it felt a very natural thing to do, to be on the side of animals when it came to fur."

According to Peta the advertisement "brings home the cruel reality that is kept out of slick fur ads and fashion spreads".