Rachel Willis, the model and actress who plays AOL UK's cyber-genie Connie in its ads, was attacked yesterday evening on her way home in South London.

She was punched in the face and kicked before the attacker ran off with her mobile phone.

Miss Willis managed to hang on to her handbag during the struggle.

The Mirror reports that she sustained bruises on her legs and on her face.

Despite the attack Miss Willis is understood to have been back at work today.

Miss Willis' agent told The Register: "She's fine. Shaken, but fine." ®