THE wife of a Watford football player will take her turn in the spotlight when she bids to win a one-year modelling contract.

Gemma Williamson, wife of Hornets midfielder Lee, who captained the side during Tuesday night’s draw with Cardiff City, is one of 26 women chosen for the final of the 2008 Top Model of Colour competition, from 3,640 entries.

Gemma, 25, has been a hairdresser for eight years, but since her husband secured his transfer from Rotherham to Aidy Boothroyd’s side in January 2007, she has devoted her time to her two children, Kyra, five, and seven-month-old Jamal.

But she is now hoping to achieve her modelling dream after being selected by industry experts for the competition final, which will take place on November 11 at the home of Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge.

The winner will secure a contract with Mahogany Models, who organise the annual contest.

The top prize also includes a professional photoshoot, £1,000, and trips to Paris and Ghana.

Gemma said: “I’m really excited. I just want to win now. I cannot wait. It’s something I’ve never done before.

“I like the look of modelling. I love having my picture taken, I’ve always liked that. It looks really glamorous, but it’s not as glamorous as I thought it would be. I do enjoy it and I hope I win because there’s a lot to come of it if I do win.

“It’s going to be quite hard. A lot of the girls are models – it’s not like they’re all amateurs.”

The competition is also notable for its effort to raise the profile of ethnic minority models and “counter prejudice within the fashion industry”, according to the agency’s website.

Gemma said: “You don’t really see many black or asian models at all. Hopefully they’re trying to change that. It’s not really fair.

“There are a lot of gorgeous black girls but they don’t get picked. Sometimes that can be boring. It’s nice to have a medium and mix it up.”

The glitz and glamour of the fashion industry is a world away from Gemma’s daily life, however, as she admitted she’s not a typical footballer's wife.

She said: “Me and Lee are really quiet. We’re not one of those party animal couples. We’ve got children and when we’re free we go back to Derby.

“Everyone who knows us knows I’m not one of those WAGs.”