From reality TV to plain reality ... it's Michelle's first day

With no room for a Christmas hangover, Michelle Massey clocked in for her first shift with Bill Cullen following the holidays.

Michelle not only bagged herself a career as she beat off hundreds of applicants on the hit TV3 show -- she also got herself a man.

The former model has developed a serious relationship with fellow contestant Jamie Moran.

The pair have been snapped getting cosy out and about and even spent New Year's Eve together in a Dublin nightclub.

But Michelle said that she is now eager to get started after the gap between winning the show and starting work.

"I'm both nervous and excited about it," she said.

"I'll be looking after his online business -- everything that involves the website, social media and a lot of marketing."

"I met the MD of the company for a chat last week just to see what I'll be doing," she added.

Claustrophobic

"I'm really looking forward to getting my feet under the desk.

"To be honest I'm getting quite claustrophobic -- it has been great to have the time off over Christmas but I'm sick of looking at the four walls."

And the new worker said that she will be looking for some tips from last year's winner Steve Rayner.

"I was chatting to him just before his wedding and he went off on his honeymoon," she said.

"He's back in the office today.

"We're going to be working in the same office so I'll be getting him to take me for lunch."

The stylish businesswoman said that she already had a full selection of clothes for the reality show.

"I haven't needed to look at my wardrobe yet -- I have a lot of clothes from the Apprentice still," she said.

Michelle (28) saw off Wexford marketing co-ordinator Niamh McDonald (23) to secure the coveted job.

During the interview round, the young saleswoman from Peterborough, England, revealed that she had left home aged 15 when she clashed with her parents over their religious beliefs.

And although there it was revealed that she took jobs dancing in clubs when she was younger, she said she has no regrets.

Michelle is now linked to Jamie (25) from the show and said that it was early days for the pair.

"Jamie is great -- he's doing well," she said. "He's working for Brodericks now as well as building up his own business.

"Everything is good."

clairemurphy@herald.ie