Linda Lusardi

Linda Lusardi (born 18 September 1958 in Palmers Green, London) is an English actor, television presenter and former nude model. She is married to the actor Samuel Kane; they have two children, both born in Enfield, Greater London: Lucy Anne (born 1996) and Jack Francis (born 1999).

Career

Modeling

Lusardi began her topless modelling career as a Page Three girl at the age of 18 in 1976 and in 1977 she appeared nude in the February edition of 'Mayfair' magazine. She was also nude in the November 1977 edition of 'Fiesta' magazine. The nude photographs were taken of her at the very start of her career ; she later posed nude & was featured on the cover of "Penthouse" in 1985. In 1982 she starred in a video called "So you want to be a glamour photographer" it became Britain's biggest selling video of its kind. Also featured are "Bond Girl" Joni Flynn, Tracey Dixon and several other topless models of the time. There are also some unpublished stills shot by "top photographer" Jon Gray also available. She was voted the Best Page 3 Girl Ever in 2005. Eigene Anmerkung: In den 80ern konkurrierte sie mit Samantha Fox und Maria Whittaker um den Titel des besten Page-3-Girls.

Acting

As an actress, Lusardi has appeared in the drama series The Bill (playing the girlfriend of corrupt officer DS Don Beech) and Brookside. She joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2007 as Carrie Nicholls, an ex of Tom King and mother of his secret child, Scarlet. Her first on-screen appearance was on 12 February 2007. She left the programme within a year.

It was revealed on Friday 28 September 2007 on ITV's This Morning that Linda Lusardi had quit the soap, and will leave in early 2008.

She is a supporter of UK pantomime and stars with her husband Sam Kane in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs each Christmas at major theatres in the UK. Recent venues have been Woking, Southend and Plymouth (2006-7). Co-stars include Kev Orkian as Muddles, with Sam Kane directing the whole feature and playing the Prince, while Lusardi plays Queen Lucretia.

Other television work

Lusardi took part in the reality game show The Games in 2004, ITV daytime programme Have I Been Here Before? amd Hole in the Wall in 2009. She also sells a range of skin-care products on shopping television. In 1992 she appeared in the "Dead Ringer" observation round of The Krypton Factor.

Reality TV

In January 2008 she joined the new series of ITV's Dancing On Ice where she finished in sixth place. Her professional skating partner was Daniel Whiston, who temporarily moved into her family home to make training more convenient. Lusardi had to catch up with her fellow skaters after falling and breaking a bone in her foot during her first hour on the ice. She also took part in -and won- Channel 4 show Celebrity Come Dine With Me in 2008. In the show she was voted the best dinner host by celebrities and fellow contestants Abi Titmuss, Rodney Marsh, Lesley Joseph and Paul Ross.