You might know Nicky Hambleton-Jones for her iconic role in the hit Channel 4 show 10 Years Younger, where she made over women who were feeling down and out about their appearance.
With her platinum hair, bold lipstick, and signature glasses, Nicky is far from the dowdy, unconfident women she helped transform on TV.
In fact, when I visit her Southwest London townhouse, the contrast is striking.
But as the hours go by, I realize that beneath the glamorous exterior, there are more similarities between her and the women she helped than one might think.
The Beginnings of a Revolutionary Show
Nicky, now 53, became a household name when 10 Years Younger hit our screens in 2004.
The show took women who looked tired and worn-out, asked strangers on the street to guess their age, and then gave them a full makeover.
The results were often shocking, and it quickly became addictive TV.
The transformation included hair, makeup, new clothes, dental work, and even surgery in some cases.
It was a show that played on the vulnerability of its participants, challenging them emotionally and physically.
Looking back, Nicky acknowledges that the show’s approach could be harsh.
Many women, especially in their 40s, were told they looked decades older than they were.
Yet, Nicky insists she was simply the frontwoman, the one who had to deliver these sometimes brutal assessments.
In hindsight, she admits, “It would never happen today.”
But for her, the show was an opportunity to dive into the world of makeovers and styling—a passion she had always nurtured.
From Corporate Life to Styling Stardom
Before becoming the face of 10 Years Younger, Nicky had a very different career path.
Growing up in South Africa, she was encouraged by her father to pursue a sensible job, so she trained as a dietician.
She graduated with honors but quickly realized it wasn’t her calling.
After just two years, she switched careers to become a management consultant in London.
Though she wasn’t known for her corporate skills, Nicky had a knack for fashion, always matching her handbag to her coat.
Her time in corporate life came to an abrupt end when she was made redundant.
The experience was a blow to her self-esteem, but it didn’t keep her down for long.
Nicky was determined to make her mark. As she walked out of the office for the last time, she said, “Watch this space.
I’m going to be famous one day.” And she was right.
The Birth of Tramp2Vamp
With advice from a life coach, Nicky started her own styling business, which she called Tramp2Vamp.
While the name now feels a little cringeworthy, it was born from her lifelong passion for transforming people.
Nicky began seeing clients, helping them feel confident and beautiful. One of her first clients was a woman who thought she had a “massive backside” and wore oversized clothes to hide it.
Nicky reassured her that she had a beautiful shape and was just wearing the wrong size.
The transformation left the woman feeling “blown away” by the results.
Despite the success stories, Nicky faced some challenges.
Many people didn’t understand what a stylist did, so convincing them to hire someone to take them shopping was a tough sell.
But in 2003, an email from 10 Years Younger changed everything.
Suddenly, Nicky was thrust into the spotlight, becoming the face of a groundbreaking show that would change her life.
The Highs and Lows of Fame
When 10 Years Younger first aired, it was a huge hit.
The concept was fresh, and the transformations were thrilling to watch.
As the show progressed, it moved from minor tweaks to full-blown procedures like facelifts and eye lifts.
It became a cultural phenomenon, pulling in millions of viewers.
But in 2008, after five successful seasons, Nicky was unceremoniously replaced by Myleene Klass. She was devastated. “It was horrendous.
I just got dropped. Overnight,” she recalls. It was a blow that sent her into hiding for over a decade.
Returning to the Spotlight
After her sudden departure from TV, Nicky focused on her styling business and raising her two children.
Though she often struggled with social interactions—especially at school gates—she stayed grounded. “I’m really shy,” she admits.
“I toned myself down to fit in with the school-mum group thing. It just never really worked for me.”
Like many of her clients, Nicky didn’t feel naturally gifted in the body confidence department.
She worked hard to maintain her physique and, over the years, found herself in the best shape of her life.
Her message? With the right mindset and dedication, you can look and feel fabulous at any age.
It’s about making an effort, both mentally and physically, and embracing your style.
A New Chapter with Bolder Not Older
Now, Nicky is back on TV, offering fashion advice on This Morning’s series Drop a Decade.
She’s also released a new book, Bolder Not Older, which aims to help women feel confident and stylish at any age.
The book outlines a 12-week program to revamp your wardrobe, transform your style, and reclaim your confidence.
Nicky’s approach has evolved over the years—what started as purely external transformations has shifted to focus on mental shifts.
“It’s not just about a new wardrobe,” she says. “It’s about the mindset behind it.”
Nicky’s Style Tips for Feeling Fabulous
Nicky’s advice is practical, straightforward, and all about confidence.
She’s a fan of high-street brands like Zara, & Other Stories, and Mint Velvet, and she recommends opting for prints instead of block colors, which can be more slimming.
She also swears by shapewear to smooth out any lumps and bumps.
And as for her personal approach? “I never weigh myself,” she says.
“If your clothes fit, you’ll know if you’ve put on a bit of weight, and you’ll address it.”
In the end, Nicky’s message is simple: embrace your boldest, most confident self.
Whether you’re 30, 40, or 50, it’s never too late to transform how you look and feel.
And with her book and expertise, Nicky is here to help guide you on that journey.
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