Melanie Sykes shows off a bikini body to die for as she becomes new face of Ultimo at 43

Melanie Sykes has today stripped off to reveal she's been named the latest face of lingerie brand Ultimo, showcasing a figure women half her age would kill for.

The uber-toned 43-year-old will be turning some serious heads this morning in the glamorous new campaign for Ultimo's Adore Moi, as she shows off the French boudoir-inspired collection.

Flaunting her washboard abs, trim legs and toned arms, the former Boddingtons model wows on the sumptuous shoot - showing off a range of stylish undies in creams, pastels and classic black.

But while the mum-of-two - who recently tied the knot with new man Jack Cockings - is showing off a figure to-die-for, even she had some reservations about her first lingerie shoot.

[Melanie Sykes shows off her bikini body ahead of her wedding, no diet worries here then]
[Michelle Mone, a businesswoman to inspire you]
[Ultimo model Luisana Lopilato expecting first child]

Speaking about her role as the new face of Ultimo, she said: "I actually can't believe I have shot my first lingerie campaign in my forties, but I really do feel in good shape at the moment and thought 'OK Mel, it's now or never!

“Adore Moi is a brand that celebrates women - no matter your age or size - and I’m really excited to be fronting the new campaign.”

In a series of stunning shots for the lingerie brand, Mel shows off a number of different looks - including a pastel blue plunging bra set with silver-grey lace detailing.

In another, the mother-of-two shows off a monochrome set with delicate flower detailing at the bust and on the briefs, as she relaxes on a decadent French antique bed.

Posing beneath a chandelier for another, Mel's toned physique almost overshadows the lingerie she's modelling, which features a peach floral detailing that she pairs with rouged lips and a diamond necklace.

Michelle Mone OBE, founder of Ultimo, said of Mel's role in the campaign: “Melanie epitomises everything the Adore Moi woman wants to be – beautiful, elegant, successful and confident in her own skin.

"We’re thrilled to have her on board. She looks absolutely incredible in the designs and is an inspiration to all women in their forties."

She added: “The new Adore Moi collection presents everyday lingerie with a sumptuous 'French boudoir' feel. The range is incredibly luxurious, but really affordable at just over £20 a bra.”   

Melanie Sykes' role for the brand sees her follow in the footsteps of a whole host of famous faces who've become Ultimo leading ladies, including Michael Buble's expectant wife Luisana Lopilato.

Supermodel Helena Christensen has also previously posed, along with Jenni Falconer and Kimberley Stewart.

Fans won't have to wait long to get their hands on the new range either, as Adore Moi by Ultimo lands in Debenhams stores nationwide from Thursday, August 20.

Sharon Webb, Debenhams Head of Lingerie Buying and Design says; “We are delighted to have Melanie as the new face of Adore Moi, she is the perfect fit for Ultimo and as a supporter of natural beauty we are thrilled to have such an inspirational image being portrayed to our customers.”

‘Adore Moi by Ultimo’ is available in sizes 32-38 A-DD and 8-18 from Debenhams stores nationwide and www.debenhams.com priced from £8.00 for briefs and £22.50 for bras.

Tell us what you think of Melanie Sykes' turn for Ultimo over on Twitter, now.