Channel 4 is marking Page 3’s 50th anniversary with a new documentary.
The Sun newspaper’s long-running topless modelling feature – which showcased the likes of Samantha Fox, Rhian Sugden and Katie Price before it was retired in 2015 – will be the subject of an upcoming one-off programme looking at the stars who made their name in the newspaper.
A source said: "Page 3 was an institution. Whatever your views on it, it’s something nearly every adult in Britain will be aware of in some way.
"It was seen by many as hugely empowering, particularly the women who actually were models and knew the role best.
"So what better subject is there to base a documentary on than such a well-known phenomenon?"
The likes of Kelly Brook and Spice Girls singer Geri Horner also posed for the paper in the past, and the documentary – simply called ‘Page Three’ – will chart "the rise and fall" of some of its biggest names.
Becky Cadman – commissioning editor for Channel 4 – is quoted by The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column as saying: "Page 3 was about a lot more than just naked breasts.
"Whether you’re of the opinion it objectifies and exploits women or think it’s a woman’s prerogative to go topless in a tabloid newspaper, it’s fascinating to hear first-hand from so many who’ve been there.
"Sharing their emotional testimony about the money, fame, affairs and undercover stings, this documentary charts the rise and fall of some of the biggest names in Page 3."
Model Melinda Messenger – who is also set to appear in the documentary – recently said she believes it was right that Page 3 was ditched, because it had become "so outdated".
She explained: "[It] became so outdated, it was time to finish it. The idea of it feels quite cheesy, in fact.
"It’s the same with lads’ mags – I’m glad that they’re done because they were an unhealthy way to represent women.
"It did appeal to the teenage boy, but thanks to the internet those pictures are available anytime, anywhere now."