Australian Penthouse

Rachel, who first appeared in Australian Penthouse in the late ’90s, has proved to be one of our most popular Pets, eliciting hundreds of reader requests to feature the beauty again and again.

Hometown: Gold Coast
Photographer: Michael Plumridge

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She has also stolen the heart of several visiting celebrities, including legendary womaniser and KISS front man Gene Simmons, who took to serenading our bombshell over the phone from L.A.

“I’ve wanted to be Pet of the Year all along,” she says, reflecting on her very first photo shoot. “I was a lot younger then. I was just a little girl, by comparison. Now I’ve come into my own as a woman. I’m more confident with my body and I think that shows in the photos.

“To be honest, it’s probably come at a better time for me as a person; I’m more ready to deal with the pressures that come with the title.”

As Pet of the Year, Rachel won a swag of prizes, valued at more than $40,000, including a Kawasaki motorcycle, a Fiji holiday, a Penthouse Pet diamond and gold necklace and lots more.

“This is the pinnacle of success for me. To be crowned Australia’s sexiest woman is incredible-and I have to thank your readers.”

Part-vixen, part princess, the intelligent and articulate blonde beauty has shattered a few misconceptions on her way to the winner’s dais.

“I suppose my appeal lies in the fact that I’m a nice girl who can be very naughty,” she says with a wicked grin. “A girl next door who gets her gear off. I also have a big heart and hopefully that come across to the readers.”

So what does she like in a man?

“I go for the athletic type, I guess. But the biggest thing for me is definitly a good sense of humour. If he can make me laugh, I’m putty in his hands.” Rachel says the highlight of her career was this photo shoot. “I got swept off my feet,” she says. “Australian Penthouse really spoils its girls-the hotels, the travel, the pampering. And I love the luxury.

“I felt so comfortable with the photographer and crew. i was encouraged to live out all my fantasies in front of the camera. It’s so much fun. i got to explore what makes me feel sexy… what gets me hot. I hope your readers get as hot as I did posing for them.

“Ive done a few film and TV appearances, which I enjoyed, but this was the best.”

Rachel still has her sights set on a career in TV. Already a veteran of everything from music videos to chat shows, she says the sky is now the limit. “This is just the beginning. I want to be able to use Pet of the Year as a springboard to gain a much higher profile and show Australia that being an Australian Penthouse Pet is a wonderful thing.

“I don’t believe in stereotypes. I want people to see that you can be a normal girl next door who is intelligent while still being comfortable with your sexuality.”

But, Rachel says, we won’t forget her in a hurry.

“I’m passionate about what Australian Penthouse stands for-sex, fun and freedom. Sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of. I’m very proud of mine.”

Nor is she likely to forget her legion of fans. “A highlight for me is meeting the readers because without them I’d be out of a job and that’s who we do it all for. i really do get a buzz out of that.”

So what does the future hold for our new Pet of the Year?

“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me over the next 12 months. Apart from from my Australian Penthouse appearances I’m bringing out a calendar, a website, even a snowboard. So watch out!”

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