33-year-old Brett Shuttleworth, who quit the high-profile international supermodel scene three years ago, is making a come back to the world of glamour.

The South African boy who turned into the leading fashion model will return to his New York modelling agency, Wilhelmina Worldwide, and will also join the Cape Town-based Storm agency. He has been living in Cape Town since his decision to take a break from fashion industry and to focus on his own clothing, skincare and oxygenated water company Courage Lifestyles, which he developed in cooperation with his fiancee model Sam Pegg.

“I needed a break from the extremely demanding and gruelling contractual schedules,” said Shuttleworth, as reports Independent Online. “But now I’m refreshed and, with a more mature business approach to my career, I am able to choose which project is right for me.”

“Besides,” he jokes, “my fiancee wants a Porsche and insisted that I go back.”

“When I was last modelling my workload was ridiculous,” he said. “Almost every day I was in a different city, on a plane or car and then on another shoot.

“I didn’t have time for those things that were really important to me.

“I couldn’t have a relationship with my friends or family because I was working all the time.

“I’ve paid the price, if you will, by working so intensely for years; clients know me. Sure, I have a different look now since I am older but I still think there will be a place for me (in fashion). A man can model until he is 60!”

This time Shuttleworth hopes to regulate his schedule differently.

“I will base myself in Cape Town and build a client base here. I’ll fly overseas when necessary. If I have a quarter of the work I had before, it would be enough.

“I’ve paid the price, if you will, by working so intensely for years; clients know me. Sure, I have a different look now since I am older but I still think there will be a place for me (in fashion). A man can model until he is 60!”

Shuttleworth shot to fame when world-renowned photographer Bruce Weber chose him for Ralph Lauren ad campaign. He then appeared on a Times Square billboard in New York advertising Joe Boxer underwear.

His recognition as a model came soon after he crushed his arm playing rugby in the US and his hopes of a professional rugby career were shattered.

Shuttleworth was voted the most marketable celebrity in South Africa in 2001 and South Africa’s biggest male celebrity in 2002.

He appeared in the blockbuster movie American Pie 2 as Abercrombie & Fitch Guy, just a month after graduating from acting and dialect school, and looks forward to having more role offers.