True model pupil

Catapulted onto the international fashion catwalk after she was shortlisted in the final 12 competitors in RTE's glamorous TV competition, The Model Scouts, she was crowned the winner in a nail-biting final last night, Tuesday.

Her prize haul includes gracing the front cover of the first 2011 issue of the Sunday Independent 'Life' magazine, becoming the Spring/Summer face of A|wear, as well as an exclusive contract with IMG, the company which handles an impressive portfolio of models that includes Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Lily Cole, Mischa Barton and Liv Tyler.

Despite the pull of the bright lights and a dazzling career that lies ahead of her, Tabea has revealed that she plans to finish her A Levels at Foyle and Londonderry College, and has not brushed aside studying for a degree – possibly in engineering – but it is on hold for now as she is keen to exploit her career as a model.

The level-headed 17-year-old has kept her win secret for five weeks, with only her immediate family members 'in the know', but after last night's big win her mobile phone will struggle to cope with the volume of calls and texts she is sure to get from friends and wider family circle, all keen to congratulate her and wish her well.

Inside today's edition, she tells of her delight at winning The Model Scouts programme, and outlines the exciting year ahead of her.