Greatest tennis star ever now… calendar girl: Serena Williams

Serena Williams and Amy Schumer will be among the first people who are not models to be shot for the 2016 Pirelli calendar.

The 33-year-old Tennis champion and the comedienne, 34, will come together, along with other powerful women from the world of sport and film, to grace the pages of the long-running planner in a first for the infamous Italian brand, which usually only features models.

Serena revealed on Twitter: "Guess what?? I am so happy to be part of the next #PirelliCalendar shot by @AnnieLeibovitz !! #thecal (sic)"

The beautiful sports star will be joined by 12 other inspirational women from different backgrounds, including the late John Lennon's wife Yoko Ono.

The images will be taken by legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz, who wanted to mix things up by honouring the work of inspirational women from different industries.

Of the change in direction, Annie told Vogue magazine: "I started to think about the roles that women play, women who have achieved something. I wanted to make a classic set of portraits. I thought that the women should look strong but natural, and I decided to keep it a very simple exercise of shooting in the studio."

The only model in the line-up for the calendar will be Natalia Vodianova due to her humanitarian work.

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