Sophie Dahl, 23, once famed for her plus size, was yesterday unveiled as the new face of Scottish knitwear brand Pringle -- with a stunning new slimline figure .

“My size had become a public fixation. This isn't a fat or thin issue. It’s just about looking the best I can by being healthy and toned,” she said in a promo press junket. But she added: “The best thing is I’m back into my size 12 Dolce and Gabbana dress. I feel good and look good. I’m the way I want to be.

A Pringle spokesman said: "She exudes British glamour from every pore." The 1950s-style "Miss Argyle" adverts will be released in March.

Sophie credits her new look to fitness guru David Marshall, inventor of "the banana diet" (I swear I didn't invent this).