During the last 2 weeks, Miss England director “Angie Beasley” has held a series of talks with current entrants from across the country , gathered votes from several zoom meetings and read comments from @missenglandofficial Instagram account to help decide if the swimwear round should either stay as it is , as a Beach Beauty Photoshoot , bring it back as a parade or Ban it altogether!
Following the announcement on The ITV Lorraine Kelly Show, director Angie Beasley said ;
“The contestants views in the poll were very mixed lots some saying to keep it optional.
When asked if they would take part in the round , some said they would decline the opportunity if it’s presented but to keep it optional for the girls that do want it in!
It’s been decided that the Swimwear round for the next final will now be scraped altogether .
I know some contestants will be disappointed in this outcome but we can’t please everyone. It’s important that we opened up this debate to all as the contest is constantly evolving. It’s no longer a bathing beauty parade and we haven’t had this round on stage since 2009 as it’s just been running as an optional beach fashion shoot.
The focus needs to be on other factors in the contest such as the “Beauty with a Purpose” round which recognises the ethos of the contestants themselves & raises lots of funds for charities across the world.
The current Miss England is “Jessica Gagen” (27) who studies aerospace engineering. Jessica’s project is actively inspiring “Women in Stem” and she’s often visiting schools and colleges around the country giving talks to youngsters.’
Angie continued ” The Miss England contest also holds a Sports, Talent, Make up Free & Ethical Fashion round supporting the World Against Single Use Plastic campaign in the contest along with other key influencer rounds .
The contestants are also invited to promote the area they live in our newest Explore the Nation presenter style round at the next final. They don’t need to appear on stage in swimwear its got to go sadly I believe it’s had its day in the contest.
The countdown is now on for the 71st Miss World in India & we need to get behind Jessica . She could be the first redhead to being back the crown to England (who haven’t won since 1983!” )
DISAPPOINTED!
Current contestants disappointed with the result include Eloise Sansini , a entrepreneur from Shropshire who said ” So disappointed the swimwear was banned as I enjoy wearing swimwear & I’ve worked hard for my body! But there are 9 other rounds in the Miss England final including a talent round …I’ve just made it through to the make up free round , if I make it through to the Miss England final, I’ll be showcasing my voice as a singer !
DELIGHTED!
One of the delighted contestants happy with the result is Miss England heat 4 contestant Rebekah Watkins from Goole currently in the top 5 of heat 4 on the Miss England App .
Rebekah is the Director & Founder of Dream Heritage CIC (a not for profit which leads community heritage projects across the UK to rebuild both heritage & community) & is a Youth Worker for Dream Youth & a Historic Building Conservationist & Archaeologist. Rebekah said “I hope I can become a positive role model, unleashing young people’s potential and beauty both inside and out! Let’s create this next generation of dreamers! “
Jessica Gagen will be continuing with the Beauty with a Purpose project in the lead up to the Miss World final which takes place in India in December 2023.
The first Miss England Make up free regional contest for London & South East is taking place on 22nd September at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences and the semi final is taking place at Viva Blackpool on 16th October .
Miss England will be holding their next final in the Spring of 2024 without including the Beach Beauty photo swimwear round as it has been since the parade stopped in 2009.
For more news or to enter the next Miss England contest visit www.missengland.info
Angie Beasley chatted with Lorraine & Celia Walden (journalist & wife of Piers Morgan about the swimwear round in Miss England
