Alex:  My hometown is a city called Southampton, situated on the south coast of England. I live with my mother, Step-dad and 16 year old sister, all English. My Father is a South-African who now lives with my Half sisters in Western  Australia.

Professional and personally I love to socialize with people. That is why I like modeling so much as a job, I never know who im going to meet and work with which keeps things very interesting and fresh. Family and friends mean the world to me, I love to spend as much time as I can with my mates whether that be down the pub or at the gym.

I try to get to the gym up to 6 days a week for about 2  hours. I have been going now for just over a year and happy with my developments so far.

Edward:  How and when you get discovered to modeling world? How was your first test shooting?

Alex:  One year ago the page three girls from the SPORT (NEWSPAPER) were doing a promotional shoot at my local pub. A lad kept trying to get into the pictures and I asked him why.  He replied that he was a model. To be honest I looked at him and thought if he can do it and get good money then I should give it a go!

My first test shoot went really well, I was a bit nervous but the photographer called Chris Smith was very patient with me and made me feel very comfortable!  We used various different locations around where I lived and I really enjoyed it! It was coming up to Christmas and at the end he gave me some money for the shoot I was really surprised and made up!!

Edward:  Do u think you have  already achieved your main purposes in the modeling market?

Alex:  NO. ive have not achieved anything near what I would like to! I am happy that this year I have won Mr Model uk.com and UK urban male model 2007.  My ambitions are to be on the front cover of Men's Health by 2010 and also be paid to be on the cover of Italian Vogue!

Edward:  Tell us about the Mr. England Runner contest. How did all happen?

Alex:  I was just starting out, getting test shoots to build my portfolio when I asked for some advice from a model called kayle. She helped me with questions about modeling and advice on building my portfolio.

She then got involved with Miss model UK.com and asked me to join her at the regional finals doing the Mr model UK competition!

At first I wouldn’t fill out an application because I was just a newbee and thought I had no chance in this kind of beauty pageant! I finally agreed to do the competition, but near to the date she dropped out so I ended up going by myself!  I ended up winning Mr model uk.com and getting my place in the Mr England finals! Where I came 2nd

Edward:  IMAGE worth more than a THOUSAND WORDS?

Alex:  I think that an image helps to communicate something a lot quicker than words can. However words can be just a beautiful if used in the right way

Edward:  What would yosay is the key of the success? In your opinion, what are the upside and downside of a modeling career?

Alex:  I think the key to the success is a hard work ethic. I had to make the effort to go to test shoot after test shoot not getting paid in order to get a portfolio to join some agencies. To win the competitions I think the key is to enjoy every second of what you are doing and stay true to yourself, don’t act as somebody you are not.

Upsides I would say has got to be you are surrounded by beautiful people, the downside to that is some can be pretentious and fake!  I love the fact im working with different people doing different things all the time!  Getting into modeling is very hard and financially difficult, because you want to be available for jobs but also need a day job for guaranteed financial support. 10- Edward: Are you a fashion guy? What do you like to wear when you are not working as a model?

Alex:  I love to dress up when I can! But if you catch me around the house there is nothing fashionable going on there!!

Edward:  What do you like to do in your free time? If you could select 5 most important things for your life

Alex:  In my free time I like to socialize with friends either playing sport or clubbing. Go to the gym And always on my laptop!  5 most important things for my life are Family, Friends, Someone to love, Money, The gym.

Edward:  Alex, thanks so much for sharing your story with us. A final message

Alex:  I have currently Won UK urban male model 2007. I am also looking for sponsorship as I have been asked to Enter Manhunt international 2008 (modeling comp). Next year I would like to go for the title of Mr Southampton (my home town) and then do one better and Win Mr England. In the near future I hope that I will be asked to be the face of a big product.

Full name: Alexander Wilcox