Sophie Dahl to judge literary prize

Model Sophie Dahl is turning over a new leaf – after being named as a judge for a top literary prize today.

The beauty, whose grandfather was well-loved author Roald Dahl, is on the panel for the Orange Prize for Fiction which honours women writers.

New York-based Dahl, who recently posed for the Pirelli calendar, will publish her own book The Man With The Dancing Eyes next year.

The model – who had a fling with Mick Jagger – is renowned for the naked poster she did for Opium which prompted a flood of complaints.

She follows in the leggy footsteps of Texan model Jerry Hall who was a judge for the Whitbread children’s book prize.

Dahl’s fellow judges for the 2003 prize – awarded next June – include author Ahdaf Soueif who chairs the panel.

Denise Lewis of Orange said: “This year we have an exceptional panel of judges who will bring to the Prize an interesting and varied perspective on women’s fiction.”