Ulrika Jonsson insists she is proud of her sexy lads’ mag photoshoots and denies they were ‘misogynistic and objectifying’ as she says she ‘felt completely in control’

Ulrika Jonsson has stated that she is proud of her boys’ mag photoshoots from her younger years, defending them against criticism that they were sexist.

The TV personality, 56, appeared on the covers of a slew of the biggest magazines, such as FHM, Loaded, Nuts and Zoo – known for their scantily clad female celebrity cover stars – in their heyday in the 1990s.

But the popularity of the controversial publications soon waned, as they were criticized for objectifying young women for the purpose of male gratification, and circulation quickly declined, causing the majority to shut down.

But Ulrika has now insisted she ‘enjoyed’ doing the sexy photoshoots, claiming she and her fellow cover stars ‘did it almost as a right of passage’.

To write The sunshe said that looking back at the covers gives her “a sense of pride and joy and also control.”

The TV personality, 56, appeared on the covers of a slew of the biggest magazines such as FHM, Loaded, Nuts and Zoo – known for their scantily clad female celebrity cover stars – in their 90s heyday (pictured on Loaded )

But Ulrika has now insisted she ‘enjoyed’ doing the sexy photoshoots and claimed she and her fellow cover stars ‘did it almost as a right of passage’ (pictured in 1996)

She said the shoots were like jobs, but instead of getting paid, they got coverage, calling it a “win-win.”

Ulrika added that she had always had “reputable photographers” with whom she never felt uncomfortable.

She wrote: ‘I loved it because I felt like I was in complete control, I didn’t feel compromised in any way. I was able to express a different version of myself. It was fun, cheeky and exciting.”

In response to those who criticized the covers as “misogynistic and objectifying” and “purely for male gratification,” Ulrika said she disagreed.

She insisted: ‘Why can’t we women enjoy feeling sexy or raunchy amidst the grind of domesticity, children and society’s relentless drive to behave?

“I look back at those photos with pride and awe and wonder if I would have the same courage today.”

She added that the only thing that “grounded” my equipment at the time was that they were called “ladettes.”

Ulrika raged: ‘We enjoyed it and proved that women are capable of having morals and opinions and at the same time wanting sexual equality, while striking sultry poses in revealing clothes and exuding sexiness.’

In The Sun she writes that looking back at the covers gives her ‘a feeling of pride and pleasure and also control’.

Emily Atack also appeared on the covers of a number of boys’ magazines in her younger years and said she “enjoyed them” because they gave her the opportunity to “celebrate her beauty and youth.”

Having posed for the likes of Loaded and FHM in the past, the 34-year-old actress said that while she “didn’t see it as anything sexual”, she also admitted that some men later “ruined” the experience for her.

Last year she said: ‘I enjoyed it. You know, I was quite young and, but when I look back, I get damned. I look great in those photos.

“And I was young and slim and beautiful and I liked being all those things, but I didn’t see it as something sexual.

‘I just really enjoyed the moment of being in films and working with all these amazing photographers, wearing these beautiful clothes and celebrating my body and my youth. And that’s fine with me.’

Discussing the reactions she received at the time, Emily continued: ‘It’s the things that happen because it’s the people who can’t control their sexually aggressive thoughts that screw up later.

“You know, that’s not my fault. I can’t do anything about that. When you sit there and you can’t control your thoughts as a man, you know?

‘That is not my fault. I can’t do that, that’s not why I do it. I don’t do it so you can say all those nasty, offensive, sexually aggressive things to me.

Emily Atack also appeared on the covers of a number of boys’ magazines in her younger years, and said she “enjoyed them” because they gave her the opportunity to “celebrate her beauty and youth.”

Having posed for the likes of Loaded and FHM in the past, the 34-year-old actress said that while she “didn’t see it as anything sexual”, she also admitted that some men later “ruined” the experience for her.

Denise Van Outen also graced the covers of several men’s magazines, including FHM in 1997 and Esquire in 1998 (pictured in 1995)

In 2021, the 50-year-old TV presenter told The Sun she has ‘no regrets’ about posing on the covers of men’s magazines and even keeps them in a box in the attic

‘I really do that because it makes me feel comfortable and happy. And I feel good about myself. This is for me.’

Denise Van Outen also graced the covers of several men’s magazines, including FHM in 1997 and Esquire in 1998.

In 2021, the 50-year-old TV presenter told The Sun that she has ‘no regrets’ about posing on the covers of men’s magazines and even keeps them in a box in her attic.

She said: ‘I don’t regret the shoots. They were fun. It was very fashionable at the time and I enjoyed all of it. I never felt uncomfortable.’

Rachel Stevens also has some of her covers on display at her home after being featured in several publications and even being named FHM’s Sexiest Woman of All Time in 2014.

The S Club star admitted: ‘I’m super proud of my boys’ mags shoots. They were so much fun. The first cover I made in 2000 was really exciting.

‘I was 22 and the band was so used to being all funny and sweet and nice. It was an opportunity to be a little more mature, to be more feminine and sexy.”

Rachel Stevens also has some of her covers on display at her home after appearing in several publications and even being named FHM’s Sexiest Woman of All Time in 2014 (pictured in 2002)

Louise Redknapp was also a favorite on the boys’ magazine circuit, having appeared on the cover of Loaded, FHM and GQ (pictured in 1996)

Louise Redknapp was also a lads magazine favorite after appearing on the cover of Loaded, FHM and GQ.

The singer was especially popular with FHM readers, ranking in the magazine’s famous 100 Sexiest Women poll, which ran every year from 1996 to 2017.

She said she remains proud of her boys’ mag era, but admitted she sometimes felt “embarrassed” about that period in her career.

She said Women’s health: ‘Some women might say it was sexist, but I would say it just highlighted women. However, I admit that at times I felt a little embarrassed and thought, ‘Oh no, that wasn’t just what I was talking about’.”