Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand is fronting a new campaign for the National Portrait Gallery.

Ferdinand, 31, joins artist LS Lowry, King Charles II, Lord Nelson, and Mary, Queen of Scots, who are also the faces of the gallery’s latest marketing drive.

The photograph of the Manchester United star relaxing on a large, dark orange chair has been on display at the gallery and will now be seen on posters, adverts and bus shelters.

The words Central Defender, Central to England, Central School of Ballet refer to Ferdinand’s background as a dancer attending classes four times a week for four years.

The campaign, Take Another Look, highlights the fact that visitors can pick up unexpected facts when they visit the gallery.

Mary, Queen of Scots’ love of golf, LS Lowry’s work for 40 years as a rent collector and Horatio Nelson’s battle with chronic seasickness are also highlighted in other posters.

Ferdinand, 31, who was promoted to England captain by manager Fabio Capello after John Terry lost the armband, was photographed in a studio by Mark Guthrie in March last year.