Penny Lancaster has signed up to join the City of London Police as a special constable

Penny Lancaster has signed up to join the City of London Police as a special constable after she was inspired by a reality TV series she took part in.

The Loose Women panellist signed up to become a special constable after taking part in Channel 4’s Famous and Fighting Crime last year where she joined officers on the beat.

The former model, who is married to Sir Rod Stewart, has now successfully completed the application process for the part-time role.

Penny, 49, will join the City of London Police after undergoing training once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Speaking on an Instagram Live chat with her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Ian Waite, she said: "I did a show called Famous and Fighting Crime where I was involved with the police.

"It was terrifying but I never felt more comfortable in a position and I felt like this is where I was supposed to be.

"I have signed up to be an officer.

"I had to sit exams, English and maths type of exams, and go for an interview with two officers. And then I did a fitness test which was the bleep test which was pretty tricky so I had to get fit for that and I passed.

"Then I had to do this massive vetting form going through all personal details of myself, my family, people I know and all that kind of thing.

"So now I'm waiting for the training to begin so I can serve the community.

"I'm going to become a police officer for the City Police in London."

She added: "My mum and dad are not so keen on the idea but I can't wait.

"I feel sorry for the police right now because they really, really have their work cut out for them trying to create social distancing while trying to arrest someone."

Famous and Fighting Crime was broadcast on Channel 4 last year and showed Penny working with officers from Cambridgeshire police.

During filming, she was at one point confronted by a drug dealer who threatened to stab her.

The mother-of-two, who married Sir Rod in 2007, said the experience made her realise how underfunded the police are.

Speaking previously, Sir Rod, 75, admitted he was scared about his wife's stint as a cop but supported her.

He said: "No one's ever been able to stop Penny if she's decided she wants to do something. And I'm always behind her all the way.

"But am I scared for her? Yes, a little. Did you see that drug addict who threatened to stab her with a needle on the TV show?

"As long as she's accompanied at all times by another constable, she'll be okay."