Sexy Shahira Barry Aims To Make It Big In Hollywood

Sexy Shahira Barry has no regrets as she aims to make it big in Hollywood

By Richie Taylor

The 22-year-old reveals how her raunchy lingerie shoots put an end to her teaching career

She may have the exotic looks of Nicole Scherzinger but model Shahira Barry is proud to be Irish.

The 22-year-old, whose grandfather was from Bangladesh, is heading to LA in June where she hopes to cash in after a tough battle to land a three-year working visa.

Shahira is determined to make it as a cover girl and hopes to become a singer, dancer and actress.

She added: “I call myself a ‘showbiz head’, I have a passion for everything.

“As a child I went to stage school and then to a performing arts school in Galway.

“While studying at UCG I was also a member of the drama society. Anything to get on stage.”

Although she is a qualified primary school teacher, Shahira doubts she would ever get a job here.

She explained: “I think all my raunchy lingerie photoshoots have put paid to that.

“At 5ft 6in, I’m not tall enough to be a high-fashion catwalk model but I’m very comfortable doing all the lingerie shots.”

Shahira, from Athenry, Co Galway, has appeared in British lads mag Loaded but refused to pose topless.

However, she is set to strip off for Playboy in the US.

Shahira revealed: “I spent last summer in LA and hung out a lot at the Playboy mansion.

“Hugh Hefner is lovely and I made a lot of friends there. I did a test shoot and they wanted me to do a nude shoot with just two days’ notice but I panicked and said no.

“But my attitude now is ‘never say never’. If I’m back living in LA permanently and have control, I may well do a nude spread.

“My family have no problems at all. My mother loves what I do.

“My dad has never been around. I have one older sister and she’s a solicitor.

“I have a theory about one-parent families, which is what I come from. I believe it makes you more motivated to succeed.”

Shahira also writes a regular blog and has started giving make-up tutorials online.

She explained: “I put them on my website or on YouTube. I give advice to girls on how to become a model.

“I had nearly 20,000 hits on the last piece I did. I also have over 100,000 followers of my blog.”
Before she flies to the US, the star will have eye laser surgery next week.

She said: “I can’t wait. I’m sick of contact lenses snapping in half in my eyes.”

And although she has been in a relationship since Christmas, Shahira will not let love hold her back.

She said: “He’s a lovely guy but it won’t stop me going. This is my big dream.

“LA is a very competitive place but I feel I have an advantage by being Irish.

“With my dark hair I stand out from all the Californian blondes. They love the Irish. They love the accent.”