A current Miss England contestant is thankful that the bikini round has finally made a comeback – and she hopes the competition will inspire others.
Corel-Jo Antwhistle, 21, from Newcastle, has been chosen as a wildcard entry as one of 40 women from across the country taking part in the semi-final in London in August.
She first entered Miss England earlier this year and took part in a virtual heat on the Miss England App.
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Corel-Jo was then invited to the Midlands to meet the organisers and other contestants to show off her catwalk skills before being offered a wildcard place .
The 21-year-old – who wants to eventually join the Met Police – is the first North East Miss England semi-finalist.
She exclusively told the Daily Star: “I can understand the debate of [the bikini] round being brought back into Miss England, but I think it's going to be so empowering to all the young women taking part, and also brilliant to empower all women across the UK.
“A lot of women of all ages, are influenced by social media, unfortunately, social media is very fake, and comparing and seeing bodies edited can have a serious effect on mental health when you're viewing this daily, this new round can show real bodies! And real self-love for them.”
The contest ditched the controversial swimwear stage a decade ago after complaints of sexism.
Instead of walking down the catwalk in a bikini though, now participants are invited to post an image of themselves in the saucy gear on their social media sites.
While the blonde beauty understands that some people may think pageants are outdated, she respectfully disagrees.
“I respect everyone's opinions whether I agree or not, but I think beauty pageants inspire women, they are inclusive to everyone,” Corel-Jo said.
“Beauty is only skin deep and all of the women who are involved in Miss England have done so much to better the world with their amazing charity work.
“We should be inspiring women to do what makes them happy, and makes them feel good!”
Corel-Jo has been interested in Miss England since she was young and is thankful to be a part of the competition.
She is a fine art student who is finishing her degree so she can join the metropolitan police as a detective.
The 21-year-old also enjoys part-time modelling and horse riding and lists her interesting fact as living in Venezuela for a large part of her childhood.
“It's been a whirlwind of emotions and I'm so pleased to be here and having such a unique experience that doesn't come around often,” she explained.
“I was really thrilled from the start of the competition but my excitement grows the more time goes on and the closer we get to the semi-finals.
“Winning would change my life, it would be such a great accomplishment for me, I truly want this and I'm so motivated and determined to work hard against my goal.
“I love giving back to people and being able to help, this platform would make that easier for me to do so much more and get a bigger return for charities.”
Corel-Jo is thankful that her friends and family have been supportive every step of the way.
She added: “I have a really close friends and family circle, they have made it so easy for me to feel confident and empowered in each step I've taken.
“They all know how this is something I've wanted for a lot of years and they are so excited for me to be given a chance at something I really want!”
As part of the semi-final, contestants are invited to post an image of themselves make up free on social media and promote natural beauty with Cetuem cosmetics along with taking part in an introduction process and final catwalk in eveningwear on the day.
They also have the option of entering the talent and fundraising round for Beauty with a Purpose, the Miss World Charity.
The semi-final of Miss England is taking place at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences in London on August 22nd.
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