She was spotted by a freelance photographer while sunbathing on Bournemouth beach in the summer of 2003; as a result of photographs taken that day, she signed a professional modelling contract with The Daily Star, which has propelled her into the public eye. In the 2005 UK edition of the FHM 100 Sexiest Women in the World Lucy was a new entry in the poll and finished 16th overall. She appeared at 35th place in the 2006 poll.

Unlike most glamour models, Pinder had refused to pose for photographs showing her nipples, until she finally posed topless for the weekly UK lads mag Nuts in the April 6-April 12 issue in 2007.

She is regularly photographed with other glamour models, including Michelle Marsh and Sophie Howard.

Lucy has been dating her boyfriend Peter Hooper, a teacher, for seven years. They have plans to get married. She lists some of her dislikes as clowns (especially Pennywise from It), wasps and racism[citation needed]. She is an ambassador for Kick 4 Life, a charity that uses football to fight poverty and disease in the developing world[citation needed]. She is also a Southampton Football Club supporter.