Miss Universe GB Looks to Wales for another winner

THESE seven stunning girls from Wales have got through to the prestigious finals of Miss Universe GB.

They’ll be among 40 hopefuls vying for the coveted title at the final a week today.

Last year’s crown went to Swansea girl Lisa Lazarus – catapulting her into a glamorous lifestyle of jet-setting across the world and filming in Bollywood.

The finalists of 2009 will take to the stage in three hotly contested catwalk rounds at The ICC in Birmingham in front of a celebrity judging panel, which includes dynamic DIY TV presenter Nick Knowles.

The winner will go on to compete at the international Miss Universe competition – owned and run by American tycoon Donald Trump – which will take place in the Bahamas this August.

They’ve spent the past four months preparing for the big day and fundraising for the competition’s official charity, the Cardiff-based Joshua Foundation, which helps children with cancer.

Finalist Lydia Yhnell, 25, from Newport, will be cheered on by her 12 siblings. She says coming from a large family helps fuel her confidence.

Not that she needs much help. Lydia, who won the Miss Smile section of Miss Wales 2008, was junior Wales Boxing Champion in 2001, has represented Wales at judo and is a black belt in karate.

She also back-packed around the world for two years and now works as an examinations assistant at Coleg Gwent’s Cross Keys campus,

“I like a challenge and I’m looking forward to the final,” Lydia told Wales on Sunday.

“I’ve not boxed for a couple of years but I started again for the competition. It’s a good way to keep fit and good self defence. I think it’s important to do things and try things. That’s what life’s all about.

“Being one of 13 puts you in a different category. It’s great coming from a big family.”

Wales’ finalists also include two crime students.

Jade Blackmore, 22, is in her final year of a criminology and sociology degree at Uwic in Cardiff and Lauren Howells, 21, from Caerphilly is in her second year of the same subject at Cardiff University. When not swatting up on what makes villains tick they like to ensure they look their best.

Jade, a finalist in Miss GB 2006, lives in Pengam Green, Cardiff, and went to Stanwell School, Penarth.

She said: “I’d like to win Miss Universe GB and in future to specialise in helping young people from deprived backgrounds and help them to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations.”

Fellow finalist and criminology student Lauren Howells, wants to join the police and become a criminal psychologist, as well as winning Miss Universe GB.

“I’m really excited and a bit nervous. I like being on stage. I get an adrenalin rush from it,” she said.

“It’s been really fun so far.

“I was in the finals of Miss Wales last year and I loved it.”

The former Kings Monkton School pupil doesn’t drink but sells shots at Club Metro, Cardiff, to help fund her degree.

Despite this being her first beauty contest Alize Mounter, 20, from Beddau, Pontypridd, has a lifetime’s modelling experience.

Alize, who is studying beauty therapy, had her portfolio done as a baby, modelled baby clothes in catalogues and for Marks and Spencer as a teenager.

An impressive, 5ft 10in tall, she said: “I’ve just bought my dress for the final. It cost my mum £1,000. It’s ivory silk. It’s lovely.

“I’m really excited, but this is my first ever beauty contest and I am nervous.”

At 18, finalist Ayesha Perry-Iqbal is still at school.

She’s doing A-level art, drama and RE at the town’s independent Rougemont School and wants a career in performing arts. At 5ft 5in and size 10 to 12 she hopes she’ll show people that you don’t have to be “skinny” to be pretty.

“I’m really pleased to get to the finals,” she said.

“It’s my first beauty contest. I’m a normal girl and want other normal girls to know curves are normal.”

Rebecca Beynon, 19, from Swansea, hopes Miss Universe GB will help launch her modelling career.

It’s the first time the Coleg Sir Gar beauty therapy student has entered a beauty contest and she’s “excited and nervous”.

Catrin Davies, 21, is the only finalist from North Wales.

Catrin, who lives in Conwy Valley and works at Clinton James hairdresser in Llandudno Junction, couldn’t believe it when she got to the finals.

“I was at work when I heard and just jumped up and down,” she said.

All seven will have to impress the judges – including former beauty queen Amy Guy, who plays Siren on Sky One’s Gladiators, fellow Gladiator Predator, Big Brother 9 winner Rachel Rice, Bollywood actor and model Zia Choudhary and Jason Hayward from Saks hair and beauty – next Sunday to win.

They’ll have the support of friends and family in the audience, plus Lisa Lazarus will jet back in to accompany Callum Best. Also at the catwalk side will be twins Sam and Amanda from Big Brother 8 and I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here’s David Van Day, of pop duo Dollar.

All seven will be on the catwalk in front of judges Knowles, former beauty queen Amy Guy who now plays Siren on Sky One’s Gladiators, fellow Gladiator Predator, Big Brother 9 winner Rachel Rice, TV presenter and WAG Lizzie Cundy, The Sun newspaper beauty editor Sue Moxley, Birmingham’s BRMB radio DJ Tim Lichfield, Zia Choudhary, Bollywood actor and model and Jason Hayward from Saks hair and beauty.

In the audience, beside the contestants’ families and friends, will be and Callum Best who will be accompanying current Miss Universe GB, Lisa Lazarus.

The contest is run in Great Britain by Cardiff company Vibe PR and Marketing, which also runs Vibe Models.

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