A HAMPSHIRE MP is hoping to make a splash by taking part in a diving competition on TV.

Penny Mordaunt - who has been ranked the sexiest female Parliamentarian - is to strip off to her swimsuit on live TV as a contestant in celebrity diving show Splash!

The politician, who holds the Portsmouth North seat, will be seen in her bathers on the show later this month after being trained by Tom Daley and will compete against former chart star Paul Young and model Danielle Lloyd.

She is to give her appearance fee on the ITV Saturday evening show to help with the renovation of a lido in the south coast city she represents.

Her inclusion on the show comes a little over a year after her party colleague Nadine Dorries caused a stir by appearing on another ITV contest I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, which led to the party whip being temporarily withdrawn.

In November of last year Ms Dorries was forced to apologise for failing to properly register her media earnings, including the undisclosed sum she received for appearing on the show.

Ms Mordaunt, born in 1973, was in the House of Commons today and spoke at Prime Minister's Questions as her participation in the show was being announced by ITV.

In 2011 she topped a website poll of the sexiest female MPs, while Zac Goldsmith was the top male.

A one-time magician's assistant, she entered Parliament at the 2010 general election and has trained as a Royal Navy reservist.

Splash! sees a batch of celebrities in a knockout competition to impress with their high diving skills under the guidance of Olympic bronze medallist Daley.

Ms Mordaunt said: ''I have the elegance and drive of a paving slab, but my navy training has certainly given me the guts to take on the challenge head on.

''Not only is Splash! a great personal development experience but it also seemed like the perfect way to fund raise for a charity I'm very passionate about - the Hilsea Lido in Portsmouth which is being renovated by the community. I will be donating my fee for the programme to assist with the renovations.''

Also taking part in her heat on January 18 will be comedian Patrick Monahan and The Only Way Is Essex's Dan Osbourne.