Maria Whittaker | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 October 1969 [1] |
| Other names | Maria Tafari |
| Occupations |
|
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) |
| Spouse | Michael West |
| Children | 3 |
Maria Whittaker (born 7 October 1969), also known as Maria Tafari, is a former glamour model, Page 3 girl, and pop singer.
Born on 7 October 1969 in Hounslow, Middlesex, Whittaker has described herself as a shy teenager. [2] She began glamour modelling after her mother sent her photo to the Yvonne Paul modelling agency, but asked her father not to look at any of her topless pictures. [2] She made her Page 3 debut in The Sun in 1985, aged 16, [3] and went on to become one of the most popular Page 3 models of the era. She was named The Sun's Page 3 Girl of the Year in 1989. [4] She also appeared in a variety of men's magazines. Her younger sister Lisa also had a brief career as a Page 3 girl, and the sisters posed together for topless photo shoots.
At age 18, Whittaker bought her parents a house in Twickenham, London, from her modelling income. [2] Saying that she was "fed up of being the centre of attention" and "wanted a peaceful life", she ceased glamour modelling at age 21 to become an au pair. [2]
Whittaker appeared as a Hill's Angel in two episodes of The Benny Hill Show in 1983. In 1986, she had a cameo role in the movie version of Whoops Apocalypse . She made her second screen appearance in the thriller film Tank Malling in 1989.
Whittaker formed the band Rhythm Zone in 1990, with her as lead vocalist. [4] The band was short-lived, releasing one unsuccessful single named "Stop Right Now (Take My Number)" (UK No. 163).
Whittaker, together with Michael Van Wijk, appeared semi-nude on the cover of the 1987 video game, Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior . [5] Later, Whittaker appeared on the cover of the 1989 sequel Barbarian II: The Dungeon of Drax which featured a similarly named playable character called Princess Mariana.
Whittaker is married to Michael West, better known as record producer Rebel MC and Congo Natty. [4] The couple have three children. Trinity Tafari, their youngest child, is a world champion at street dance, and is a part of dance group IMD, which has been featured on Got to Dance and Britain's Got Talent . [2]
Whittaker now works as a Sales Coordinator for the multi-level marketing dietary supplement brand Juice Plus, which she promotes through her social media.
