YOU can take the girl out of Essex - but you can't take Essex out of the girl.

It's an old saying, but it was clearly true of Celebrity Big Brother winner Chantelle Houghton, 24, when she returned to her home county for a personal appearance.

She modelled a saucy basque which showed off her new 32DD bustline - the result of a much-reported boob job - to the large crowd of photographers.

Wickford lass Chantelle is staying in Billericay while she waits for completion of the deal on a swish new home in Warley, Brentwood.

Without any prompting, she said: "You can take the girl out of Essex, but not Essex out of the girl!

"I just love everything about the county.

"I think there is something about people from Essex.

"They are really nice and quite normal - not that I am saying other people aren't. I am just so happy here."

Chantelle said she was now starting a new chapter in her life, following a quickie divorce from fellow Celebrity BB contestant, pop star Preston, last week.

"I've got my life back now," she added.

"I'm releasing a fitness DVD in February. It won't be one where I am just jumping about on the spot. It'll be about other things like nutrition as well."

The blonde former model also had plenty to say about her famous new-look boobs.

"I always wanted to have bigger ones," she said.

"I went for a consultation and then had it done. I just had to."

Chantelle said her fame had still not really sunk in - even though it is now two years since she won the reality TV show, after being put in the house as a fake celeb.

In fact, she insists she still doesn't think of herself as a celebrity.

"I'll talk to anyone," she said.

Chantelle added there was no new man in her life at the moment.

"I am not really looking for anyone at the moment," she explained. "But who knows?"

But she admitted she was enjoying being out and about in Brentwood and Billericay with her friends.

When asked what the future held, she said she fancied trying her hand and acting, adding: "I'd love to be in EastEnders."