Ultimo (brand) models Kelly Brook and Helena Christensen, actresses Gemma Atkinson ("Ultimo D-G cup"), and Kara Tointon ("Michelle for George"), singers Mel B and Samantha Mumba ("Per Amore)", television presenters Jenni Falconer, Peaches Geldof, Melinda Messenger, and Melanie Sykes. As of January 2015, the current Ultimo model is Petra Nemcova. The first Ultimo girl was Scottish model Mary Kennedy, but after the brand went global when Julia Roberts wore an Ultimo prototype in "Erin Brockovich" Penny Lancaster, the future wife of singer Rod Stewart, became the first high-profile Ultimo girl. However, she was replaced a year later by Stewart's ex-wife Rachel Hunter.
Ian Hunter (singer) worked as a journalist and staff songwriter for Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd., did road-digging for a local council, and reported for a local newspaper. By 1969 Hunter had two children, but was still hoping for a return to making music full-time. Meanwhile, guitarist Mick Ralphs joined organist Verden Allen in Jimmy Cliff's backing band, The Shakedown Sound. Eventually Ralphs, Allen, vocalist Stan Tippins, bassist Overend Watts, and drummer Dale Griffin united to become Silence, who auditioned for British impresario Guy Stevens. Silence renamed themselves after Willard Manus' 1966 novel, "Mott the Hoople". The band lacked a credible singer with