A CAB driver could be strutting his stuff on the catwalk in front of royalty after being spotted by a passenger.

Frankie Holloway, of Richmond Road, Bedfont, was grudgingly persuaded to try modelling by agency founder Angel Sinclair when he gave her a lift last year.

The 47-year-old father-of-three took to the catwalk earlier this month, when his slimmed down look and slick new hairstyle earned him comparisons with Hollywood star George Clooney.

Now he is lined up to appear in a fashion show at the Ideal Home Show at Christmas event in Earls Court next month, where Prince Charles is due to be among the audience.

"When Angel suggested I try modelling I laughed and said 'I don't think so. I'm overweight and who's going to want to look at me?" he said. "But she said I was a nice looking guy. She said lots of women would think so and older men would like to see someone their age modelling clothes, so I agreed to give it a go.

"The reaction's taken me back a bit. The catwalk photos got about 100 comments, with lots of people saying I looked like George Clooney, though I don't see it myself. I've had about 30 friend requests from women too."

Frankie, who runs his own taxi firm, appeared in the Catwalk 4 Change fashion show on September 6.

The event was part of Ms Sinclair's Models of Diversity campaign to promote models of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities.

Frankie said the experience had given a major boost to his confidence, which was particularly fragile when he met Ms Sinclair.

"That show's given me my confidence back and I'm so grateful to Angel for giving me the kick up the backside I needed," he said.

The keen golfer, who has slimmed down from 18 to 15 stone, added that he was offered modelling work at the age of 18 but was more into football at the time so turned it down.

It's not just modelling work Frankie's been offered either. He's been encouraged to try his hand at acting. "They said I'd make a good thug," he said.