"I would love to be able to tell you that there's a heroic, chivalrous story here that I can make myself look really good but unfortunately I just missed my footing walking home on some steps and then went crashing into a metal railing," he said.

"And I have got a bit of whiplash on my back.

"Thankfully it's only hit my cheek – it could have been worse!

When it was suggested his modelling days may now be over, he replied: "They were over a long, long time ago – if ever they started!"

Pressure on Potter was further eased on Tuesday evening by a battling goalless draw at Chelsea which moved the Seagulls seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Nevertheless, he suggested the painful fall shows he still has plenty to ponder ahead of the weekend trip to Bramall Lane.

Explaining the incident in more detail, he continued: "I can't even blame it on anything.

"I was walking on the beach trying to look where I could shelter from some wind, missed my step, wasn't thinking – probably had too much on my mind from the last few days.

"I look a little bit better, so the lady upstairs tell me in terms of I am looking a bit more rugged and handsome, but I think she's crazy, of course."