Jourdan speechless after award shock

Jourdan Dunn capped off a stellar 2008 by being crowned Model of the Year at British Fashion Awards.

Speechless: Jourdan couldn't believe she had won

The 19-year-old model, discovered at age 17 in a Primark store, took to the stage to claim her accolade with more than a hint of nervousness.

Dressed in a cream strapless mini dress by Stella McCartney, Dunn was visibly overcome as she accepted her award, which was presented by Christian Slater.

"Oh my God — I'm crying!" she gasped. "I don't want to cry. I just want to thank the British Fashion Council for nominating me. This is really the icing on the cake for me. I guess it is the... what's the word I'm looking for? I want to thank my agency, Storm, for being a second family to me, and... oh my God, I'm sounding like such a dumb model, and that really isn't like me. Anyway, thank you so much. Goodbye."

Dunn has had a rapid ascent to the top. As well as gracing the covers of British Vogue, Italian Vogue, Pop and i:D, she was the first black model to walk in a Prada show for 10 years and starred in campaigns for Top Shop, Benetton and Gap.