Former `Tomorrow Never Dies` model becomes Anglican vicar

Shannon Ledbetter, 39, who appeared in "Tomorrow Never Dies", has been ordained an Anglican vicar in Liverpool. The Daily Express (UK) reports that she has been appointed curate of St Mark`s Church in Knowsley village, Merseyside.

She says she got the walk on part in the film because "a friend who was a costume designer knew I could fit into a tight dress they had for a party scene."

Shannan can be seen during Carver`s media launch party in Hamburg.

"I was offered £1,000 to dress up in a black skintight £250,000 designer PVC dress and I jumped at the chance. But the outfit was so uncomfortable - I could hardly breathe or walk in it. Still I got close to Pierce Brosnan and that was exciting."

She said modelling had been enjoyable and had given her a fun lifestyle, but that religion remained her foundation.

After her Bond experience she returned to PhD studies at Liverpool Hope University where she lectured in theology. She began her training to become a Church of England vicar shortly after "Die Another Day" was released in November, 2002.

A Church of England spokesman said: "It`s important that we can recruit more women and younger ministers."

She said: "I know it seems like a strange change of career but I wanted to do something within the church. A bit of sex appeal might encourage people who see religion as boring and stuffy to think again."

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