Charley Speed thinks Elle Macpherson's intelligence is her biggest asset as a model.

The 33-year-old male supermodel - who got his big break modelling for Calvin Klein alongside Kate Moss in 1997 - worked closely with Elle on the panel of 'Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model' and was impressed by how business savvy she is and how she used her brains to build herself a brand.

Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at an special event ahead of BINTM Live at the Clothes Show Live next month, Charley said: ''Elle's a good businesslady. I know there's lots of stereotypes about models, but what people don't understand is that intelligence goes a long way in this industry. It enables you to go further and when you're not modelling anymore to stay involved in it.

''She's got a good business head on her so she's a good example to a lot of people out there. You can't just rely on looks, you've got to have some kind of trade as well.''

Charley - who was joined by the series 8 contestants including winner Letitia Herod - thinks Elle's killer body and Amazonian height also set her apart as a model, propelling her to superstardom and earning her the nickname 'The Body'.

He explained: ''In the era she was working the most as, she was The Body. She had a fuller figure and she had boobs and she was just fierce and she was shot by the right people. I don't even know how many covers of Sports Illustrated she did! That's what makes you a supermodel.

''Elle also looks stunning, she still looks amazing at 49. She's enormous and she carries herself so well.''

The Clothes Show Live kicks off on December 7 at Birmingham's NEC and fans will be able to get up close and personal with the models over a weekend of catwalk shows, makeovers and designer guests.