Kris Smith will be the face of Myer for another two years

KRIS Smith will stay on as the face of Myer for another two years, and while he's rapt about it he admits he's far more comfortable away from the spotlight.

Kris Smith on the Myer catwalk earlier this year. Photo: Stefan Gosatti)

FORMER rugby league player turned model Kris Smith has re-signed as the male face of Myer for another two years.

The store's ambassador will retain his role alongside style cohort Jennifer Hawkins, who recently announced her continuing association with the mass retailer too.

"I was honestly shocked, as you just never know how things are going or panning out,'' Kris told news.com.au

"When my agent told me my Myer role was continuing I sat there stunned. I am very, very happy, obviously!''

Away from the bright lights of the catwalk, Smith digs a simpler kind of life.

He has been dating Sydney-based model agent Maddy King after a well publicised split with his former partner Dannii Minogue, who is also mother to their son, Ethan.

"I try to spend as much time as I can with Ethan as he is my priority and he is growing up so quickly. But overall, I try to live a very laid-back and calm kind of life.

"I don't get caught up in all the stuff in the media and fashion business, whether written about me or anything else as it is just time consuming and often destructive.

"I am just into things like my golf, my gym, my work, my girlfriend and of course, my son.''

If anything, the Manchester-born Kris says he is quite anti-social.

"I never go out, apart from events that are associated with my work,'' Kris said.

"I really make an effort to keep my work life away from my personal life as it is very important the two don't intrude on each other.''

This year Kris has also added TV host to his resume, sitting alongside Monique Wright, Sally Obermeder and Tom Williams on the afternoon talk show, The Daily Edition.

"I'm loving live television,'' adds Kris.

"The pace and the excitement is great and it is also giving me much more confidence to talk to a wide audience.''

Much of Kris' work for Myer is done trackside, where he loves a flutter as much as the fashion.

Myer CEO Bernie Brookes is very pleased Kris will stay on with the brand, saying he has been a wonderful ambassador for the stores since 2009.

"(Kris) brings a great level of excitement to Myer events across the country and to our men's wear, home and toys businesses,'' says Mr Brookes.

"Kris has travelled all across the country representing Myer in a myriad of fashion, racing and community events and he is much-loved by our customers of all ages.

Kris will obviously attend the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the Myer marquee in the Birdcage on AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Emirates Melbourne Cup Day, Crown Oaks Day and Emirates Stakes Day.

In addition, Kris will judge the heats and finals of the Myer Fashions on the Field Mens Racewear competition on AAMI Victoria Derby Day alongside international guest, model Tyson Beckford.

"I am, like, seriously into the races and follow form, so much so I put my bets on before I get out to the track because I know I will get tied up with my Myer hat on," Kris said.

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