Gina Heslop
Angela Jay, a well-known model from the 1980s, passed away yesterday at the age of 71 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Her husband, Ken, a former photographer for The Sun newspaper, was by her side at the hospital in Eastbourne, East Sussex when she died. Angela was loved by many for her natural beauty and charm, often described as “the perfect girl next door.”
She came from a humble background, growing up as a miner’s daughter in Sunderland, but she had big dreams that took her far beyond her hometown.
Angela’s rise to fame began when she moved to Manchester, where she was noticed by a modeling agency. Ken, who was with her through much of her career, shared memories of how she quickly became a successful model.
He explained how Angela stood out from the very beginning, not only because of her beauty but also because of her confidence and professionalism. Unlike many models, Angela needed very little time to prepare for a photo shoot.
Her natural beauty shone through, and Ken recalled how, even in casual clothes like jeans and a dirty t-shirt, she still looked stunning.
Angela became a familiar face in the fashion world, particularly known for her appearances on Page 3 of The Sun in the early 1980s.
She also became the face of Gossard, a popular lingerie brand, and starred in commercials, including one for Henry Cooper’s Brut Aftershave. Her career was one of success, and she remained a beloved figure in the modeling world for many years.
Ken, now 79, fondly remembered the first time he saw Angela, saying it was love at first sight. He admired her beauty and personality, and the two shared a long and happy life together.
He talked about how Angela knew she couldn’t stay in Sunderland and marry a miner, as many girls from her town did. She had bigger dreams, and her move to Manchester was the start of a remarkable career.
Though Angela is no longer with us, her memory lives on in the hearts of her loved ones, friends, and fans who admired her for her beauty, grace, and determination to achieve her dreams.
