Dubbed the hottest girl next door, by FHM Magazine, Lauren Harris will be featured in a spread in the magazine's January-February 2006 issue. This gorgeous 21-year-old hairdresser joined MSNBC's Rita Cosby 'Live and Direct' on Wednesday to discuss the honor and what's next.
To read an excerpt of their conversation, continue to the text below. To watch the video, click on the "Launch" button to the right.
RITA COSBY: How did they find out about you? I mean, there are so many folks out there. How did they get the buzz about you?
LAUREN Harris, MISS FHM 2005: Well, it all started when my best friend and I sent in photos of us to the magazine, because they have a section called "It's Your Ex-Girlfriend". So we dated the same guy, and we thought it would be funny to send in pictures. So that's what we did, and next thing I know, we were in New York shooting for a page.
COSBY: Now, what happened with the ex? What's the latest with him?
HARRIS: He's still the ex.
COSBY: So then they send you in, and they say, 'OK, we are going to pick you for this other (thing)' What was your reaction? It just came out today. It was announced today.
HARRIS: Yes, if was just announced today that I was the winner, so I was in shock. I was so happy. It's so good.
COSBY: And what does this mean for your life?
HARRIS: Well, I hope this opens a lot of doors for me. I have always been interested in modeling and acting and stuff like that, so we'll see where this takes me.
COSBY: And why do you think they picked you? You're a beautiful girl. Obviously, you know, it's sort of gutsy story to send in your pictures -- a lot of people don't want to talk about their past or their ex-boyfriends. But what do you think really triggered it about you?
HARRIS: I don't know. I am not really sure. I guess just because I am just very natural, like you say, the girl next door type of thing ...
COSBY: You are a hair dresser too. What the reaction from clients?
HARRIS: Yes, clientele has gone up a lot. I work at American Male Salon, so it's all men, and pretty well. It's good.
COSBY: Yes, bigger tips?
HARRIS: Yes.
COSBY: Much bigger tips?
HARRIS: Tips are good.
COSBY: How many folks now recognize you, even just from the first about the exes and now, it's going to be the blockbuster, because this issue hasn't even hit the stands yet.
HARRIS: Yes, I have been recognized actually a couple of places I have gone, so it's pretty cool.
COSBY: How has it changed your life?
HARRIS: I don't know. It's definitely-I can see it changing now just from going out different places and people recognizing me that never have before, so it's pretty cool.
COSBY: What's the reaction there your family too? You know, does your dad go, oh, I don't know if I can look at all these pictures?
HARRIS: They are very supportive. They're very happy that I am doing something that I have always wanted to do.
COSBY: You have got a 15-year-old brother, is that right?
HARRIS: Yes.
COSBY: Are you very popular among his friends now?
HARRIS: Yes.
COSBY: What do they say? Does your brother say, 'Can't you come out with me? Can't you drop me off for the bowling, for the movies.'
HARRIS: Yes, he is not really into all this. His friends always bust his chops about it, but, you know, what are you going to do?
COSBY: What is ahead for you? You go from being a hair dresser, you know, doing OK, and now all of a sudden, you are going to be the hottest girl. This is a big change.
HARRIS: It is.
COSBY: How do you think your life is going to be different? And are you planning on doing modeling? Are you getting contract offers?
HARRIS: Well, I am signed with FHM, for a year, so I'm going to be working with FHM, promoting, going to different events and parties with them, appearing in the magazine. So hopefully it will open a lot of doors for me. So I intend to have fun with them.
COSBY: What do you say to folks who say these pictures are racy? Is it exploiting women? Are you, you know, showing too much?
HARRIS: I don't really think it is. I mean, the magazine has featured women like Jennifer Lopez, and Anna Kournikova. ... I am proud to be part of the magazine that they are featured in.
COSBY: And what is your ultimate career goal? Did you ever imagine this would happen?
HARRIS: It's a dream come true, something that I've always wanted, so I hope that this just, you know, heads toward that direction.
Watch 'Rita Cosby Live & Direct' each night at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC.