Ananova:

Rachel Hunter is to replace estranged husband Rod Stewart's girlfriend as the new face of Ultimo, the lingerie firm has announced.

The rocker's current partner Penny Lancaster, 32, was dropped by the company last month. It was reported she was not well known enough outside the UK for the firm.

Hunter, 35, said: "I'm very excited about being chosen to show women around the world the great look of Ultimo."

Company boss Michelle Mone said it had been a "strategic decision" to sign Hunter on a

two-year contract.

She said: "Rachel Hunter is an actress and international supermodel, a mother of two and one of the sexiest women in the world."

She added: "Ultimo is moving into international markets. It was a strategic decision to find an internationally recognised new face for the brand."