Just over a year ago, fresh-faced Jameela Jamil was a complete unknown, who didn't have a clue about fashion as she spent her days teaching English to a foreign nun. But her world changed overnight when, after rocking to a Channel 4 audition, she landed one of the most coveted jobs in entertainment - a top spot on T4 co-presenting with Rick Edwards.
The 23-year-old 5ft 10in beauty has since interviewed everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Johnny Depp and is considered such a fashionista she's bagged front-row seats at all of next week's London Fashion Week shows. Here, she talks all things style and opens up exclusively to Look about a car accident that left her over 5st larger than the svelte size 10-12 she is today…
Jameela, you got your amazing job on T4 just a year ago. How's life for you these days?
It's been absolutely incredible! Last year I as on stage at T4 On The Beach in Weston-Super-Mare in front of 45,000 screaming teenagers, and that was probably the first time it dawned on me that this is actually my job.
So tell us, what's it like working with the other T4 presenters?
Even now I think I'm still a bit starstruck by them. I'll be standing next to Rick Edwards, Miquita Oliver and Steve ones thinking: "What the hell am I doing here?" But they're all so much fun to work with. I couldn't wish for more!
You're earning your fashions stripes. How would you describe your style?
I like wearing clothes that are comfortable, elegant and suit me. I love the 50's and 60's - those sexy sirens like Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot. They were so feminine and glamorous.
Unlike a lot of TV presenters, you don't have a stylist. Why is that?
If you have one, you miss out on so many things. I don't want to limit myself. One day I might want to be a rock chick, the next a sex siren. Fashion is all about your mood.
Where do you shop?
I'm a massive high street girl, so I go to places like Topshop, Urban Outfitters and Office. I love Office shoes. Love them! I always wear them on the red carpet. They're so comfortable, so gorgeous and they're cheap!
What's the item in your wardrobe that you just can't live without?
My black Topshop high-heeled ankle boots. They cost about £60. They're completely knackered, but I still love them. I would marry them if I could. [Laughs]
Good thing you can't, Jameela! Have you always been so obsessed with fashion?
Haha! I used to live in extra-large mens Gap tracksuits. I was built for comfort, not speed. I've worn pleather (Plastic leather) and I used to have a lot of comfort jeans with elastic waistbands. I gave Simon Cowell a proper run for his money during my teens. [Laughs]
Somehow we're not seeing you in men's trackies…
No, no, no! [Laughs] But in all seriousness, when I was 17 I was run over by a car. I broke lots of bones and damaged my spine, so I was on a Zimmer frame for two years. I was also on steroids. I weighed 9st before the accident, but afterwards I gained 5st alb, which I'm sure is almost a member of Girls Aloud! [Laughs]
That sounds awful...
It was the worst time of my life. I was told I may never walk again. But after lots of physic, I slowly started moving. The weight just fell off and I went back down to around 9st. I think thats why I've got that 'go for it' attitude. I'm so happy everyday. I even get excited by cereal - it's pathetic!
That's an amazing story. Do you have any body hang-ups nowadays?
I'm a size 12 on my bottom half and would desperately love Jessica Alba's pert bum. If anyone could arrange that for me, I'd be very happy! I don't go to the gym - exercise is torture for me. I go walking with my iPod on, instead. And I try to eat healthy food - fruit and nuts for breakfast, and a chicken salad for lunch. That doesn't mean I don't love steal, chips and chocolate, though. Just everything in moderation.
How do you manage to stay looking so fresh on the red carpet when you're hanging around waiting for celebrities for hours?
I won't go anywhere without my benefit concealer. It's called boing and it literally does what it says on the box - it lights up your face.
You've interviewed so many stars over the past year. Who has bowled you over the most?
Denzel Washington. I was so nervous before I interviewed him for The Taking Of Pelham 123 that I couldn't say "scene stealing" I kept saying "scene sealing"instead. I also remember sweating profusely, which is never a good look on camera.
Ouch. What about female celebs?
Oh, I got to interview Jennifer Aniston for Marley & Me quite early on! That was absolutely amazing, because I've always loved Friends. She's exactly as I imagined she would be - cool, calm, absolutely gorgeous and very funny. She told me that when she was little she wanted a pony. But she couldn't have one, so she tried to ride her dog as a horse instead! I thought that was excellent.
Have any male celebs ever chatted you up?
No, I'm afraid not. I sat there drooling over Johnny Depp, but I doubt people like him have ever looked twice at me.
Oh come on…
No, I'm not a very sensual human being. I don't think I give off that vibe. I haven't got the time for a boyfriend, either. It sounds selfish, but I've had such an incredible last year that I don't want to share it with anyone - I just want to focus properly on my career.
Have there ever been any truly embarrassing moments while you were on the job?
Yes. I managed to fall over myself on the red carpet at the Bruno premiere. Thankfully, that wasn't the most dramatic thing that happened that night. Sacha Baron Cohen totally stole my thunder! But I've had lots of other really undignified moments. Channel 4 love to dress me up. They once put me in a horse costume, and an elf one, too. And I love wearing a fat suit!
Is there anything you wouldn't do for your job?
I wouldn't go naked - not that anyone would ever ask! [Laughs] I don't think I could ever pull it off, because it doesn't feel like me.
You're judging a Nokia competition to find a new talented entertainment reporter. How did it feel being approached for that?
I was so chuffed when they asked me. I really found it a massive privilege. And it's nice to give someone else that leg-up, because I was in a similar position last year. Before I got the job at T4, I had a completely different life. I was teaching foreign students at the Callan School of English on Oxford Street in London. I had a nun and monk in my class! I'm actually jealous of whoever wins this competition, because the prize is incredible. They get to report from six massive events across the globe, including the Oscars and the Grammys!
