If someone had told me as a child that one day I’d be working as a model and body activist, I’d never have believed them. I suffered from crippling social anxiety and struggled going to school.

I was being bullied because of my bust size and the kids teased me for wearing a bra. “All this took a toll on my confidence and I even quit entering swimming competitions, which I loved, because I was conscious of my body.

I wish I could go back to when I was younger and tell myself not to miss out on things because of how I looked. “My dad, David Hasselhoff, was a huge star on Baywatch and well-connected in the industry, so I was inspired by him to be an actress but ventured into the modelling world instead.

By 14, I was signed to an agency. That really helped my confidence. “Back then, plus-size or curve models were niche and I’d never seen girls with fuller figures in fashion campaigns.

And neither had the public. I had so many girls coming up to me saying ‘I’ve never seen somebody whose mum is smaller than them’, which sparked something within me. I felt I had to speak up.

“It was hard because I had a lot of media backlash. I’d always be asked how I could truly love myself with a bigger body, but those questions only spurred me on to love the skin I’m in even more.

Women are beautiful in all shapes and sizes. “Things took a toll on my mental health, though, so now I am a huge advocate for telling other people about my anxiety and depression and how I haven’t let it hold me back.

Since I realised the connection between my body and mental health, things became so much clearer for me – I’ve made it a priority to always be my own best friend.

“When it comes to body image and size diversity in the fashion, television and film industries, we have come a long way, but it’s always going to be something we need to discuss. It shouldn’t be a box-ticking exercise.

People need to be able to relate to models when they look at fashion. There are amazing high-street brands who have opened up their size ranking, but they don’t have them on the floor, or if they do, it’s a small rack in the back.

“I want to be able to feel valued as a customer and to celebrate myself through fashion as much as anybody else – no matter what shape or size I’m at.

“We forget so often that our bodies are actually our home and our vessel. They’re what keeps us alive. We think so much more about the outside perception of what they look like, rather than what they give us.

“So I think it’s about changing the conversation around that. It’s completely normal to have bad and good times. You’re not always going to feel great about how you look, but don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you don’t matter.

“Knowing that you can catch yourself on your bad body days and accept them is one of the biggest keys. It’s just living in a state of acceptance.

I accept my bad body days for what they are, but I know that I need to have those bad body days to get back to my good ones.

“So many people miss out on opportunities and experiences because they are concerned about how they look and I think that is so sad. Wear the swimwear this summer!

"Find things that make you feel good and styles that work for you.

“Above all, don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Being confident is the sexiest thing. All of our stories are so important, speak yours loud and with conviction.”

Instagram @HHASSELHOFF

Words: Olivia Devereux-Evans

Photographer: David Venni

Style Director: Michelle Darlow

Hair and Make-up: Katrin Rees, Sven Bayerback and Hannah Davies

Stylist: Lauren Goodwin-Grafton

Stylist Assistant: Brittany Davy

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