MELINDA Messenger has joined the chorus of support for Swindon Town as they make their final push for promotion to the Championship.

The Swindon-born former glamour model is backing Danny Wilson’s team, who now have their sights set on Friday’s play-off semi-final against Charlton Athletic – standing just two games away from a League One Wembley play-off final appearance.

Melinda was among thousands of Town fans who were clinging onto the hope on Saturday that Town could clinch an automatic promotion slot by winning at Millwall and hoping that Leeds United lost their final day decider at Bristol Rovers.

As it was, Town went down 3-2 at The New Den, despite taking an early lead, and Leeds claimed promotion.

It means Swindon have to play Charlton at the County Ground on Friday in the play-off semi-final, and then head to South London a week today for the second leg, with the winner guaranteed a Wembley play-off final appearance.

And Melinda says she will be cheering on Swindon Town all the way to Wembley.

She said that while her sons’ football loyalties lay elsewhere, her heart was always with Swindon Town.

She said: “I’m not necessarily a huge football fan, but I’d always support Swindon because that’s my home town, I’d back them all the way.”

With the start of the World Cup little more than a month away, the 39-year-old mother-of-three features alongside Walkers stalwart Gary Lineker, Paul Daniels, Julie Goodyear and Will Mellor in a new World Cup-themed Walkers crisps advert The 60-second advert first aired on our TV screens last week featuring Gary Lineker hosting the Walkers Flavour Cup draw. Fifteen international flavours will compete to win the title in July 2010.

Hidden in the crowds are celebrities, including Melinda, who are rooting for their favourites.

Melinda was in South Africa to film her scenes which saw her dressed in a French maid’s outfit alongside ex-Hollyoaks actor Will Mellor, supporting the French Garlic Baguette flavour.

Melinda said: “I was over the moon when my agent said I’d been asked to take part.

“I have always loved their crisps and they’re just so iconic.

“We had a really wonderful time, just giggling and laughing our way through it.

“We just had a really nice time and forgot we were out there to work.

“Gary was an amazing guy. He is completely himself, which is charming.”

Melinda is now looking to new projects, which includes launching her own cosmetic skin care range and a family cookbook.

She recently departed from chat show Live from Studio Five, after which a war of words was reported between her and co-presenter Ian Wright.

However, Melinda said she felt no animosity towards him.

“It was kind of heat of the moment stuff, I’m kind of really busy and getting on and doing my thing,” she said.

“I wish him all the best I really do. It was the right time to move on.”

Melinda, who now lives in Reading, said she still regularly visits family and friends in Swindon and her favourite spots, including the Old Town Gardens and Coate Water.

“I’ll always have a connection with Swindon forever, I think you always do, I was there for 33 years, born and lived there all my life,” she said.

“It’s very much my home town and somewhere I feel very connected to and have really brilliant memories.

“There’s memories of playing in the playground, going to school, there’s just memories everywhere so it’s always great to come home.

She also said she would never rule out returning to Swindon to live.

“We’re quite settled where we are because the children’s school is there, you just never know,” she said.“I love South Cerney and the surrounding area.”

For more information about the Walkers World Cup advert visit www.walkers.co.uk.