A HALKYN woman who turned her life around thanks to a television programme is now facing a style challenge. Scarlet Pallister, who embarked on a career in burlesque dancing after taking part in Channel Four show Faking It, is set to challenge fashion guru John Scott in Beat The Stylist on ITV’s This Morning today (Friday). The 37-year-old from Windmill, near Halkyn, said: “I have to find a sexy and stylish outfit for a 30-year-old lady who is size 14 to wear on a night out and I can only spend £100. I want to show you can look great on a budget.” Mrs Pallister, whose real name is Sharon, resigned from her job at the Royal Mail in June so she could dedicate all her time to her burlesque career and now, as well as performing, she holds workshops and specialist club nights all over the country. She discovered her talent for burlesque after applying to Faking It in 2006. She said: “I was stuck in a dead end job and my life wasn’t going anywhere. I applied for the show but didn’t think I’d get it and then I found out that out of 3,000 people I had been chosen.” With the help of performers Dita Von Teese and Wayne Sleep she overcame her fears and managed to convince a panel of experts she was a professional burlesque dancer. She said: “The show definitely changed me. Before I was extremely shy and I wouldn’t even wear a bikini. I didn’t really speak to people and I was very introverted.” Now she is adamant anyone can become a performer. She said: “A lot of the people who come to my workshops are women with body issues who are a bit older and want to go home thinking ‘I do look good and feel great’. “It’s all about being happy with who you are.” | 
Article
