James is a '˜hunk in trunks' on the catwalk

James Mansfield, 22, from Blackpool, is one of the frontrunners in Debenhams’ Hunk in Trunks modelling competition after strutting his stuff at the semi-finals in Glasgow.

The competition, which aims to find the face of the chain store’s new Hammond & Co. underwear range, will hit TV screens in the upcoming weeks as part of popular ITV morning show Lorraine.

James, who works in the aerospace industry, was nominated for the competition by his grandma.

James said: “I was shocked to find out my nan had nominated me, but I was excited to give it a go.

“I’ve had people say to me in the past I should model but it’s not something I’d given much thought to before.

“I didn’t actually mind walking around Debenhams in my pants – it was much more nerve-wracking being interviewed on camera!

“It’s hard to know what the judges are looking for, but I’m feeling fairly confident about my chances of making it in the competition.”

More than 1,700 men signed up for the Hunk in Trunks campaign, with 25 being invited to the Glasgow semi-finals.

Judges on the panel included Debenhams’ designer Patrick Grant, creator of the Hammond & Co. collection, Lorraine Kelly, TV and radio host Lisa Snowdon, ITV stylist Mark Heyes and Unsigned modelling agency CEO Gavin Myall.

The winner of the Hunk in Trunks competition will be revealed live on Lorraine at 8.30am on November 3.

The winning ‘hunk’ will win a life-changing model contract with Unsigned and a first assignment with Debenhams along with £500 of shop vouchers.