SUPERMODEL Stella Tennant has died in the Borders aged 50.

Tennant, who lived in Duns, Berwickshire, died suddenly on Tuesday (December 22).

Police said there were “no suspicious circumstances”.

In a statement, her family said: “It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on 22nd December, 2020.

“Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed. Her family ask for their privacy to be respected.

“Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”

An illustrious career

Tennant, who turned 50 on December 17, worked for brands including Versace, Chanel, Calvin Klein and Burberry during an illustrious career that started in the early 1990s.

She was still modelling for Burberry, as well as Victoria Beckham, two years ago.

Tennant, who was born in 1970, is the daughter of Lady Emma Cavendish and Tobias Tennant, who farmed sheep near Hawick.

She is the granddaughter of the Duke of Devonshire and his wife Deborah Mitford.

In 1999, Tennant married French-born photographer David Lasnet in Oxnam, near Jedburgh, in 1999.

Having lived in New York, they settled in Duns and raised four children.

According to the Times, a Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers were called to an address in Duns, Scottish Borders, around 11.30am on Tuesday, December 22 following the sudden death of a 50-year-old woman.

“There are no suspicious circumstances.”

Tributes to Tennant

On Twitter, Versace wrote: “Versace is mourning the death of #StellaTennant. Stella was Gianni Versace’s muse for many years and friend of the family.

“We will miss you forever Stella. Rest In Peace.”

Fashion designer Stella McCartney wrote on Instagram: “My darling Stella, I f****** love you and will miss you so, so terribly. What sad, horrific news to end this already shocking year!

“My heart goes out to your stunning family who must be in such undeserving pain. I am speechless… Rest in peace, you inspiring woman.

“Your soul and inner beauty exceeded the external perfection, Stella. May you ride high above us all on the most perfect horse, eternally in peace.”

Victoria Beckham also paid tribute.

“So saddened to hear the devastating news about Stella Tennant,” she wrote on Instagram. “She was an incredible talent and someone I had so much admiration and respect for.”