Zoo Magazine, launched in 2004 by Bauer Media Group, was the ultimate lads' mag – a cocktail of footie banter, cheeky jokes, and those jaw-dropping glamour spreads that kept blokes coming back every week. For over a decade, it was the king of the newsstands, serving up some of the hottest women in the UK and beyond. It wasn’t just a magazine; it was a way of life for the lads who wanted laughs, birds, and a bit of cheeky escapism.

The Glory Days of Zoo: When Glamour Models Were Queen

Picture it – it’s 2004, and you’re hungover, clutching a greasy bacon sarnie while flicking through the latest issue of Zoo. Life was good. The girls were gorgeous, the jokes were outrageous, and the footie gossip was bang on. Zoo wasn’t just a magazine; it was a weekly bible for every lad who fancied himself a bit of a banter king.

The Babes Who Put Zoo on the Map – The Lads' Dream Team

Lucy Pinder: The undisputed queen of Zoo, Lucy Pinder was discovered on Bournemouth Beach and became the mag’s ultimate cover girl. With her natural 32G assets and sultry look, she was the quintessential girl-next-door – except way, way hotter. She was the kind of girl you’d make a fool of yourself over at the pub – and then regret it the next morning.

Michelle Marsh: Blonde bombshell Michelle Marsh was Lucy’s partner-in-crime, often appearing alongside her in some of Zoo’s steamiest spreads. Together, they were the dynamic duo that had lads cancelling dates with actual women just to stay in and ogle their latest shoot.

Keeley Hazell: Keeley Hazell had it all – killer curves, a cheeky grin, and a wild side that made her a Zoo favorite. After winning The Sun’s Page 3 Idol competition, she became a regular fixture in Zoo and a proper lads’ mag legend. The girl next door who might actually steal your car and then make you feel lucky she did.

Rhian Sugden: With her striking blonde looks and girl-next-door charm, Rhian Sugden was the sort of girl you’d take home to meet your mum – if your mum didn’t mind her turning up in a bikini and making your old man spill his tea.

Sammy Braddy: Known for her jaw-dropping assets, Sammy Braddy was one of the curviest girls to ever grace Zoo’s pages. Her shoots were the stuff of legends, and she knew exactly how to keep the lads coming back for more – and more – and more.

Bants, Birds, and Blokes – The Banter Culture

Zoo wasn’t just about the babes; it was about the banter. Each issue was packed with footie gossip, daft jokes, and stories of lads’ nights out that made your nan blush. This was a time when being cheeky was king, and the more outrageous the prank, the better. From prank phone calls to cringe-inducing dating advice, Zoo had it all – and then some.

Where Are They Now? The Legends Live On

• Lucy Pinder: After Zoo closed, Lucy moved on to acting, appearing in a few indie films and keeping up her charity work. Still drop-dead gorgeous and still the girl who made a million lads’ jaws drop.

• Keeley Hazell: Keeley made the leap to Hollywood, landing roles in comedies like "Ted Lasso" and rubbing shoulders with A-listers. Not bad for a girl who once said she’d never leave London.

• Michelle Marsh: Michelle settled down, focused on family life, and occasionally pops up on TV reminiscing about the good old days when lads’ mags were king and the nights were young.

• Rhian Sugden: Rhian’s still in the limelight, keeping her fans entertained on social media with cheeky content and glam shoots. The sort of girl who could post a picture of a cup of tea and still make it look filthy.

• Sammy Braddy: Sammy’s pivoted to fitness and wellness, turning her curves into muscle and keeping the lads motivated with her fitness tips. Still got it, still flaunting it.

The End of an Era – And the Beginning of Insta Babes

Zoo Magazine officially called it a day in 2015, marking the end of an era for lads’ mags everywhere. Social media was taking over, and the cheeky banter and risqué spreads just didn’t hit the same. Suddenly, the girls-next-door didn’t need Zoo; they had Instagram – and they were cashing in big time.

But for those who grew up with it, Zoo will always be remembered as the place where girls-next-door became glamour goddesses, and every Friday felt like a lads’ night out – even if you were just sat on the sofa with a beer and a copy of Zoo in hand. And let’s be honest – some of those old issues are probably still under a few lads’ beds, gathering dust and good memories.