AS the famous Victoria’s Secret angels make a return to the catwalk after a five year hiatus, it’s not just the stunning models who’ll need keeping an eye on.
Despite a slew of backstage scandal, including MeToo allegations and claims of a ‘toxic workplace’ that caused its cancellation in 2019, it was the celebrity guests taking part in the shows that often caused the most controversy.
From catwalk protests and unfortunate accidents to cheating scandals and awkward run-ins, here we look back at the most shocking celeb moments in Victoria’s Secret history…
WHEN EXES COLLIDE
It’s never fun running into an ex, but doing so on the catwalk of your first ever Victoria’s Secret show? Mortifying.
Model Bella Hadid and singer The Weeknd had ended their 18 month relationship just weeks before he was to sing at the Paris show in 2016, where she was making her debut as an Angel.
As The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – performed his single Starboy, Bella strutted past him, attempting a warm smile.
Cue all eyes on the former couple – who ended up back together a year later, albeit temporarily.
HARRY THE LADIES’ MAN
For a man who appears to have had more girlfriends than hot dinners it was inevitable that Harry Styles would date a VS model at some point.
But the former One Direction star went FIVE better – getting linked to six angels over the years.
It was a no-brainer he’d run into a few when performing at the 2017 Shanghai show and sure enough, former flames Sara Sampaio, Georgie Fowler and Nadine Leopold sauntered past as he sang. He shrugged it off like a pro but the tension was palpable.
LOVE TRIANGLE?
It was a case of Angels vs devils when one of Victoria’s most famous models, Miranda Kerr, found herself in the middle of love rivals Justin Bieber and then-hubby Orlando Bloom.
After Miranda and Justin reportedly flirted outrageously backstage at a show in 2012 – a year before she and Orlando split – Orlie allegedly sought revenge by cosying up to Justin’s ex, Selena Gomez in 2014.
A few months later it all came to a head, with Orlando reportedly punching Justin after running into him at an Ibiza restaurant. Ouch.
KATY’S FAR EAST FAIL
Shanghai was set to welcome Katy Perry to the 2017 Victoria’s Secret show, but the singer never made it to the Chinese city, after being denied a visa to perform in the country.
In fact it was reported that Katy was banned for life from even visiting China, after she wore a sunflower dress for a performance in Taiwan two years previously.
I want to be wowed by sexy angels in sparkly bras again
Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals how she's delighted the show is back after a five-year hiatus...
SCOFFING a sharing box of Maltesers as I watched Gisele Bundchen gliding down the runway at a Victoria’s Secret Show didn’t scar me . . . it wowed me.
I was in my teens. I was a fashion and celeb-obsessed kid staring at a blurry YouTube video of drop-dead gorgeous models wearing next to nothing with giant wings on their back.
The signature bouncy blow-dry, the bronzed skin, the never-ending legs . . . I just loved the performance of the angels.
Because that’s what it was.
Not a run-of-the-mill catwalk show where miserable-looking, skeletal girls thud their way down the catwalk — it was bright, fun and theatrical.
When I heard that it was coming back this October after a five-year hiatus, I immediately googled to find out more details and reserved a spot on my couch for the big event.
In the show’s heyday the diamond-encrusted lingerie and outfits weren’t clothes, they were costumes.
The sets were like something you would see in a West End production.
Big music names including Taylor Swift, Rihanna and even the Spice Girls performed over the years which made it all the more exciting — much like watching your favourite artists at The Brits.
But it wasn’t perfect and over the last few years the brand has struggled to find its way.
The question is can the show’s resurrection turn its fortunes around?
Sunflowers were a key symbol in Taiwan’s protest against a trade agreement with China in 2014.
The fact she’d draped herself in a Taiwainese flag didn’t help matters either.
ARIANA’S ANGELIC ACCIDENT
Performing at the Victoria’s Secret show is supposed to be fun, great exposure and most of all…safe.
But pop princess Ariana Grande’s 2014 appearance caused her a bit of a headache, literally.
While Ari sang her hit Bang Bang, angel Elsa Hosk aptly banged her right in the face with her massive pair of angel wings, causing tiny Ariana to recoil in horror.
She later laughed off the incident by claiming that ‘being accidentally smacked in the face’ was ‘awesome’ – but that initial reaction doesn’t lie.
TAYLOR’S REVENGE
When model Jessica Hart said in 2013 she didn’t think Taylor Swift could pull off being a Victoria’s Secret Angel, saying she “didn’t fit” with the others, Taylor reportedly made it so that Jessica was not allowed back for the 2014 show.
Despite Victoria’s Secret bosses insisting she wasn’t sacked for the remarks, Jessica clearly blamed Taylor and in 2018 continued her vendetta by donning a jumper that said, “Four letter bad word Taylor Swift”.
Naturally the Swifties didn’t take well to the dig, with one commenting, “those who cross Taylor never prosper.”
HALSEY KICKS OFF
Singer Halsey put her all into her performance at the 2018 show in New York, even wearing feathered eyebrows.
However, following the show, she called out organisers who’d made comments about not allowing trans models to appear in the show.
Bisexual Halsey took to Instagram to rage: “Performing this year was supposed to be the best night of my year.
”However, after I filmed the performance, some comments were made that I simply cannot ignore.
”As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have no tolerance for a lack of inclusivity.”
GISELE IN FUR HELL
Giselle Bundchen was one of the most successful models in the world in 2002, when she walked the Victoria’s Secret show in New York.
But her massive platform meant an even bigger audience for anti-fur protestors who invaded the runway as she walked, brandishing signs that read: “Gisele: Fur Scum” in protest at the news the model had signed a deal with fur company Blackglama.
As Gisele looked on shocked, security dragged the protestors from the stage.
Gisele has since said the incident completely ‘devastated’ her and changed her views on ever doing another fur campaign.