Ultimo Bra to replace Rachel Hunter

Model Rachel Hunter's lingerie contract with the creators of the Ultimo Bra will not be renewed when it runs out next year, it was announced today. MJM International said it wanted to end its work with Rod Stewart's estranged wife "on a high" after two years together. The Glasgow-based firm sparked a furious row when it signed up Hunter, 36, last year after dumping the rock star's fiancee, Penny Lancaster.

The winter catalogue will be the New Zealander's final job with the company before her contract runs out in February next year. In a brief statement released through MJM, Hunter said: "It's been great fun." Meanwhile, the company said it has been inundated with calls from celebrities eager to succeed her as the face of the brand.

Hunter's replacement will be announced in the near future, said a spokeswoman for the firm. Michelle Mone, founder of MJM, paid glowing tribute to the model, saying: "Working with Rachel has been fantastic. She has been so professional and we will always look on her with genuine affection." Mone was branded a "manipulative cow" by Stewart over her decision to drop his 34-year-old girlfriend for his ex-wife. The 60-year-old rocker raged at the time: "I hope she (Mone) chokes on her profits."