Hollywood star Brooke Shields becomes new face of campaign against shingles

Actress Brooke Shields has become the new face of a campaign to make sure women's health thrives after 50.

The Hollywood star, 59, best known for The Blue Lagoon and the Pretty Baby films, says she was inspired to front the crusade after seeing two of her closest friends develop shingles.

Mother-of-two Brooke said: "It was debilitating for each of them in a different way. One had to shut down production of a movie for two weeks.

"Another one could not perform because the pain was too awful."

Both suffered agonising skin rashes due to the virus that also causes chicken pox in children and can remain dormant for years before triggering an outbreak.

As part of the Thrive at 50 campaign the star, married to film director Chris Henchy, 60, is urging women to protect themselves from shingles with a two-stage vaccination.

She said: "Even though not everyone will get it, we hope to motivate people to ask their doctor or pharmacist about their risk for shingles and how vaccination can help."