A true cockney, who grew up within earshot of the ‘Bow Bells’ in South East London, today receives the Marks & Spencer ‘Best-Dressed Man award at London’s Ritz Hotel. Scott Maslen, 30, a former Royal Marine and one time model, plays police ‘bad boy’ DS Phil Hunter in the TV series ‘The Bill’.

Scott was one of a host of male celebrities nominated for the ‘Best-Dressed Man’ award by members of the public visiting the www.best-dressedman.com web site. He was voted into the top five on the celebrity best-dressed list and Marks & Spencer menswear judges subsequently selected him as this year’s winner.

While the old adage that clothes make the man is undoubtedly as relevant today as it ever was, this award is concerned with the whole man, his attitude and grooming, and not simply his clothes," says Maurice Helfgott, Director of Menswear for Marks & Spencer. "Scott obviously has an extensive wardrobe of both formal and casual clothes and takes the trouble to wear the right clothes for the right occasion. But he is also a man of style in grooming and confidence and projects a very positive attitude."

Scott will receive the Marks & Spencer ‘Best-Dressed Man’ award today, together with a selection of clothes from the latest Marks & Spencer collections, including Blue Harbour, Sp and Autograph.

"The suit is very much back in favour with the style conscious young man in 2003," says Mr Helfgott. "Worn with or without the formality of a tie, the suit is now a must in business wear following the period of so-called ‘dressing-down’ at the office. Casual wear provides the welcome change for leisure and is an integral part of the well-dressed man’s wardrobe."

Scott Maslen believes his TV character deserves a pat on the back too. "My on-screen character, DS Hunter, has helped to win this award as it’s his style that people have seen me wearing on screen and probably voted for. Off screen I tend to dress more casually but if it’s a special event then I always make an effort. Everyone’s got different tastes and different things look good on different types of people. Personally, I have to feel comfortable in what I’m wearing but the thing is not to take it all too seriously and just enjoy what you wear, not worry about what you look like."

‘Best-Dressed Man’ awards organiser Tony Edwards said today that the British male was among the best-dressed in Europe and could now match the former style leadership of the Italians. "Inspired by a growing number of male celebrities who have helped to show the way, British men are now taking a greater interest in the way they look, from clothes and accessories, through to general grooming. Actors like Scott Maslen must be congratulated for their part in the style revival in the UK."