Miss Leicestershire, Grace Richardson, has vowed not to let a recent foot injury stop her from pursuing her mission to inspire and empower young people across the region.

The 20-year-old dancer, who is currently preparing for the next stage of her Miss England journey, has sustained a stress fracture to the fourth metatarsal in her foot.  The injury means she will be wearing a medical boot for the next 2–3 weeks and unable to compete in the physically demanding sports round of the competition.

Despite this setback, Grace is determined to continue with the competition and remain focused on her purpose to use her platform to educate young people and shine a light on her Beauty With A Purpose project, Every Drop Counts.

“I may be sidelined from the sports round, but I refuse tolet this injury sideline my mission,” said Grace. “I want to
show that challenges don’t define us – how we respond to them does. My goal has always been to inspire resilience in young people, and this is my chance to live that message.”

As a dedicated dancer, Grace is no stranger to discipline and determination, qualities she says will see her through recovery. “It’s  frustrating not to be on my feet in the wayI’d like, but I’m still standing strong in every other sense,” she added.

Grace with her parents at the recent Leicester Curry Awards

She will continue to take part in the competition’s remaining rounds, advocating for her cause and proving that true strength lies not just in physical ability, but in character and perseverance.

Local rising star Brooke Woods, 18, has proudly secured her place in the Miss England 2025 Semi-Final, hoping to win the Miss Birmingham title at the event after competing for a place in the MAKE UP FREE AUDITIONS for the Midlands .

Standing at 5’7”, Brooke currently works as a bartender and model, balancing her professional ambitions with her passion for fashion and community life. She is particularly enthusiastic about sustainable fashion, often sourcing unique styles from her favourite charity shops.

Brooke also embraces her journey with ADHD, speaking openly about it to inspire others who may face similar challenges.

She hopes to use her Miss England platform to encourage greater understanding, confidence, and self-expression among young people with ADHD.

Brooke said “I entered the Miss England Semi finals by competing in the Midlands Make up Free auditions in hope that I can share my story and be crowned the title of“ Miss Birmingham”.

There’s a lot of different aspects about myself and a lot of different life events that I have been through that are special and different to others. One of them life events was when I was diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is short for ,“Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder”, meaning I struggle with a lot of tasks on a day- to-day basis. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 15 years old which was 3 and a half years ago. I had always struggled when I was younger with focusing in school or making and keeping friendships which was a very big sign of what happens sometimes when someone has ADHD and it was also a very hard time in my life. My mum started to realise when I was around 13 that sometimes was going on with my physical and mental health as she had always dealt with my others siblings who shown more signs of SEN needs, so it seemed like I didn’t have any SEN needs. I was quite dissociated for a while and didn’t speak much. I felt alone most days unless I was with my family because trying to make friends at a younger age when going through such a hard time was a task as it is but when having undiagnosed ADHD on-top, it felt like i was going crazy in a sense. After i was diagnosed, I started to try various different medications that my doctor has prescribed me to make me feel more focused and on task. Unfortunately, the tablets didn’t agree with my body and i couldn’t take them. They would make me feel very uneasy and nauseous and i was even less focused than what i was already. I started to research my condition and why it made me feel the way I do and then i started to realise that ADHD isn’t all bad. In fact, there’s a lot of pros to ADHD like: heightened creativity, hyper focus, strong social skills and strong empathy. When I realised these positive aspects of ADHD, i started to feel better within myself and more confident to share my story with others. ADHD awareness is really important to me because i know the different struggles like: being diagnosed as a young girl or woman, being diagnosed in general, being understood, being listened to and also there not being enough research within the ADHD awareness. I want to be able to make people with ADHD and also people with any other SEN needs that you are not alone. I want to raise awareness for individuals that are struggling and may not have anyone to talk to about their condition. Many people still hold outdated or oversimplified views, seeing ADHD as merely “being hyper” or “not paying attention,” rather than recognizing it as a legitimate neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive function, emotional regulation, and attention control. I wanted to speak about my ADHD to show that having this condition is a positive and that individuals with the condition should embrace it. We’re all human and we all should be treated like humans. Just remember ADHD is not a limitation but a different lens—through it, you can see possibilities others might miss. “

The Miss England competition is renowned for celebrating diversity, talent, and positive role models. Contestants are not only judged on their appearance but also on their achievements, community contributions, and personal values.

Brooke is sponsored by Richard Clarke

Brooke will compete against other hopefuls in the upcoming semi-final round, where finalists will be selected to progress to the prestigious Miss England 2025 Grand Final.

                                The semi final takes place at the Grand Station Wolverhampton on Friday October 3rd which is being broadcast LIVE on the Beauty Queen Channel on Amazon and the Miss England YouTube Channel.

To vote for Brooke download the Miss England App for Free and  voters can place one vote daily for free in the lead up to the contest and  pay for additional votes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [email protected] for more images

Afton McKeith, a dynamic and multi-talented artist, is quickly becoming a recognized name in the UK’s thriving entertainment industry. At just 24 years old, Afton has already carved out an impressive career in the world of performing arts, blending her expertise as a movement coach, singer, actress, and dancer.

Afton has always had a passion for the arts, which she has honed through years of rigorous training and hands-on experience. As a highly skilled movement coach, she has worked with clients of all ages and abilities, helping them enhance their physical strength and confidence through personalized coaching. Her background in dance and performance adds an extra layer of creativity to her teaching style, making her one of the most sought-after coaches in the city.

In addition to her coaching career, Afton is also an accomplished singer and actress. Her unique blend of musical talent and captivating stage presence allows her to seamlessly transition from the dance floor to the stage, where she continues to make her mark. Afton’s performances have earned praise for their emotional depth and energy, captivating audiences across various mediums.

An interesting facet of Afton’s life is her linguistic abilities. Fluent in both French and Spanish, she brings an international flair to her work, making her a versatile and adaptable artist in today’s global entertainment landscape.

Afton’s unique combination of skills, passion, and cultural fluency is setting her apart in the world of performing arts, and her journey is one to watch closely as she continues to rise in the industry.

Afton is sponsored by: www.gelida.co.uk

GELIDA is a UK based brand known for its cutting-edge wellness & aesthetics devices.

Afton will compete against other hopefuls in the upcoming semi-final round, where finalists will be selected to progress to the prestigious Miss England 2025 Grand Final.

The semi final takes place at the Grand Station Wolverhampton on Friday October 3rd which is being broadcast LIVE on the Beauty Queen Channel on Amazon and the Miss England YouTube Channel.

To vote for Afton download the Miss England App for Free and voters can place one vote daily for free in the lead up to the contest and pay for additional votes.

Limited tickets on sale now: www.grandstation.co.uk/missengland

See Afton in the Daily Mail here 

Rachael Warner –

In the 1990s, Rachael Warner made her mark on the pageant world, winning several
prestigious titles including Miss Sheffield, Miss Wales, and Miss United Kingdom.
Her success took her onto the global stage, proudly representing the UK at the 1996
Miss World final in Bangalore, India, as well as at Miss Europe in Istanbul and Miss
International in Japan. Rachael also worked in Korea with the Miss World
organisation, promoting British industry alongside the DTI.
Today, Rachael balances life as a devoted mum of two daughters while continuing
her modelling career.
Reflecting on her journey, Rachael shares:
“From a very young age I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do with regards to
my involvement and was inspired by BWAP, the multicultural diversity and
empowerment of the women involved and the inspiration it brought to me as a young
girl.

ARIEL LAVI –

Ariel Lavi is an International Film Producer and Screenwriter  .He produced films in the US, Mexico, Nigeria, Italy, and Canada . His films won 131 awards at film festivals all over the world . He  was a judge at Sunset Film Festival and Hollywood Screenings Film Festival in 2023 . He is the owner of the film production company Lavi Company in Miami,FL .He is a writer in Swagger Magazine . He was featured on the most famous magazines all over the world- Sky , L’Officiel, Billboard, Flaunt , Daily Front Row  . He is followed by top celebrities on Instagram from Hollywood , Europe, and Dubai.

Olivia Green –

In 2017 Olivia won the first ever Miss Premier Ceylon title and also placed 2nd
runner up in Miss England the same year. From winning the title of Miss Premier
Ceylon Olivia had the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Sri Lanka twice. This
was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
During her visit to the island she visited a local orphanage and worked alongside a
local charity to help pack food relief packages to help the local people who had been
effected by the floods that had hit the area.  Through placing 2nd runner up in Miss
England final I was also fortunate enough to be asked to travel to China to complete
in another international pageant.
Miss England opened up many new opportunities for me and I will be forever grateful
of this. Miss England is a completion that embowers women to be their true and
authentic selves and although there may only be one winner on the evening, even if
you do not walk away with the crown it does not mean your journey is over it may
just be the start of something new.

Mila Walenda –

Mila Walenda is a creative director and media
entrepreneur with a visionary outlook. Mila studied at Fashion University New York and graduated from Veronika Lemle’s exclusive “FashionProducer” course in 2022. In 2021, she also successfully completed the “International Photo Model” program. Her photographs have been published in renowned magazines such as Gmaro and Mvibe, even landing her on a magazine cover. As the head of Eight Partners Ltd, Mila specialises in high-quality television productions, digital content, andinternational broadcasting projects. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, she develops projects that merge fashion, culture, and entertainment. Mila is also the driving force behind Mila & Sal, a growing media brand, and is actively exploring new television opportunities for a global audience. Her dedication to inclusivity and creativity makes her a sought-after voice in media and fashion.

Danny Thompson – DANNY THOMPSON EVENTS

Grand Station, Wolverhampton, is honoured to be hosting the Miss England Semi-Finals on Friday, 3rd October. As one of the region’s premier event venues, we are proud to provide an elegant and historic setting for this prestigious occasion. Beyond the celebration of beauty and talent, the competition shines a light on the remarkable charitable work carried out by its contestants, who dedicate their time and efforts to raising vital funds and awareness for good causes. In particular, we are delighted to support the incredible work of Beauty with a Purpose, the Miss World charity that has transformed countless lives across the globe. Hosting such a distinguished event not only reflects the stature of Miss England but also Grand Station’s commitment to championing initiatives that inspire positive change within our community and beyond.

Jessica Gagen – Miss England 2022 & Miss World Europe –

Jessica is widely recognised as one of the most successful Miss England titleholders of recent years. A trailblazer both on and off the stage, she made history at the 71st Miss World competition by securing the titles of Miss United Kingdom and Miss World Europe, which lead her to tour the world with the Miss World Organisation to witness the incredible charitable impact the contest has across the globe. Before entering the world of Miss England, Jessica enjoyed a thriving career as an international fashion model, signing with numerous agencies across the globe and working with prestigious high fashion brands including Max Mara and Moncler at Milan Fashion Week. Her modelling work laid the foundation for her poise, confidence, and platform-building prowess. What set Jessica apart was her exceptional dual career path: whilst she was the reigning Miss England she graduated in aerospace engineering, seamlessly blending brains and beauty in an industry where women remain underrepresented. During her reign as Miss England, she was appointed ambassador for both The National Numeracy Charity and International Women in Engineering Day, using her voice to challenge stereotypes and champion education. A passionate advocate for STEM education, Jessica has dedicated her platform to inspiring the next generation—particularly young women—to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Prior to and after her Miss England win, Jessica toured the UK hosting STEM School Talks for free in primary and secondary schools across the country, aiming to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. Her educational content has reached millions online, and she has collaborated with leading aerospace organisations including the European Space Agency (ESA) and Boeing to engage the next generation in STEM. Her influence in the industry led to keynote speaking engagements and panel appearances at air shows, universities, and conferences in both the UK and USA. In 2024, she emceed the International Space Station’s Research and Development Conference, and was a keynote speaker at both the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough International Airshow, reinforcing her role as a powerful communicator and respected voice in the aerospace community. In addition to her professional and advocacy work, Jessica continues to raise money for charities by completing endurance running challenges, including this year’s London Marathon, to support causes close to her heart. Her work continues to garner international media attention, and she remains a leading figure in the movement to empower women in STEM, proving that one can quite literally reach for the stars—and bring others along for the journey.

Sharandeep Sahota will now take part in the Miss England Final as Miss Coventry

Sharandeep Sahota, a 21-year-old law graduate from Coventry, has been fast-tracked to the Miss England Grand Final and will now be awarded the title Miss Coventry! She has won the first ever Miss England On The Spot Public Vote, which was held throughout the month of August between 10 stand out so far Miss England semi finalists from all over England on the Miss England App, receiving a remarkable 24,900 votes. Sharandeep is being celebrated by her sponsors BOPA (British Organisation of People of Asian Origin) based in Coventry for her exceptional dedication to supporting young carers  and providing meals to the homeless in her local community.

On receiving the news that Sharan won, BOPA organised a special celebration meal for Sharan at Masala Jacks in Holbrooks an Indian restaurant in Coventry. Angie Beasley said “ As director of Miss England, I believe Sharandeep truly embodies the ethos of “Beauty with a Purpose” that is central to the Miss England and Miss World competitions. We are proud to have young role models like her in the competition and I wish Sharan all the best in the Miss England competition. Hopefully she can now use the Miss Coventry title to continue her inspiring work” .

Sharan said ” I am absolutely thrilled and honored to be crowned Miss Coventry and to have the opportunity to represent our city in the Miss England Finals in November.
I’m incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from my community. Winning the public vote with nearly 25,000 votes is just incredible and a testament to the belief you all have in me. A special thank you to my sponsors, BOPA, and to Dr. Rakesh Sachdev and Davinder Prasad. They not only invited me to this amazing competition but have given me unwavering support in raising awareness for unpaid young carers through my project, ‘Caring for Carers.’ From receiving my semi-finalist sash in June to now being crowned Miss Coventry, this journey has been a dream. I promise to represent our city, our culture, and our community with pride and dedication.” 

Sharan with Rakesh Sachdev

  Sharandeep’s commitment to volunteering has also earned her congratulations from prominent figures such as Prince William, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and David Beckham, among others. Sharandeep is a shining example of how young people can make a meaningful difference in society, balancing her law studies with active participation in charitable initiatives.

Sharandeep will now be participating in the two-day Miss England final later this year but first she will receive her official Miss Coventry sash from the director of Miss England on Sunday 7th September at an official photo call.

Sharan pictured with her sponsors from BOPA: Rakesh Sachdev & Davinder Prasad

Please note that applications for the Miss England competition are still open until Friday, September 12th, 2025.

You can apply now at www.missengland.info.

    The Sutton Trust 

BBC Interview

When Aliza Kanerawala was just 13 years old, her world was shattered by the loss of
her mother to stage 4 lung cancer. Her mother had never smoked, lived a healthy lifestyle, and showed no signs of illness until it was too late.

Diagnosed in June 2018 and passing just five months later, her story challenged the stigma and misconceptions around lung cancer.

Aliza with her mother

“My mum was my role model, my best friend, and my greatest source of comfort. Watching her fight so bravely, yet so silently, showed me how much we need to change the way we talk about this disease,” says Aliza now aged 19.

Her mother’s passing left an unfillable silence, but also sparked a sense of purpose. At just 13, Aliza made a promise to herself: she would use her voice to honour her mother’s strength, break the stigma surrounding lung cancer, and give hope to those who feel invisible. From this, she created Breathe for Hope, an initiative dedicated to fundraising, education, and advocacy for those affected by lung cancer—particularly non-smokers who are  often overlooked.

Now 20 years old, Aliza is a second-year film studies student going into her third
year, as well as an actor, model and advocate. She balances her academic work with
her creative passions, seeing both as a way to tell powerful stories and inspire
change. “Everything I do is a tribute to my mum’s belief in me,” she explains. “Her
words, ‘Whatever happens, happens for good’, have become the foundation I stand
on.”

Aliza will now take her story and her mission to the Miss England stage as a semi-
finalist in Wolverhampton on October 3rd. For her, the Miss England platform
represents more than beauty—it’s about Beauty with a Purpose.

“Miss England is about standing for something bigger than yourself. For me, it’s the chance to raise
awareness for lung cancer and inspire others who’ve faced loss to turn pain into purpose.”

Public voting for the semi-finalists opens September 22nd on the free Miss England
App, where supporters can place one free daily vote. The winners of the VOTE &
various awards at the semi-final will go on to compete in the Miss England Grand
Final in November, with the ultimate titleholder representing England at the 73rd Miss World next Spring. Just before the semi final a Sports round is being held at the Football Dome in Aylestone Leicester on Saturday 27th September which Aliza is building her own physical strength for as it’s being run by former Royal Marine Lee Stuart. This round will test the contestants physical strength. Through her journey, Aliza hopes to show others that strength can be born from sorrow, and that real beauty lies in resilience, compassion, and purpose. “My story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a story of hope,” she says. “I want to turn my mum’s silence into impact—one breath, one voice, and one life at a time.”

With Beauty with a Purpose being one of the rounds in the competition now, Aliza
has started her own fundraiser in the lead up to the competition here;

For media enquiries, interviews, or images of Aliza Kanerawala, please contact:

Miss & Mr England Press Office

www.missengland.info

From “Waste of Time” to Top 10 Female Gamer in UK: Scientist & Esports Star
Charlotte Yeung Shines on ITV’s The Genius Game & in Miss England
Charlotte Yeung, a 25-year-old PhD researcher and semi-professional esports
player, has proved that gaming is far more than “just a hobby” after reaching 2nd
place on ITV’s new prime-time show The Genius Game hosted by David Tennant.
Growing up, Charlotte’s passion for gaming was dismissed in her own household as
“a waste of time.” Today, she has turned that passion into a celebrated achievement
– ranking consistently in the Top 10 League of Legends players in the UK in her
primary role. Now she’s reached the first shortlist on the Miss England App for this
year’s competition and hoping to win a place in the final by gaining the public
support.

Alongside her esports career, Charlotte is pursuing a PhD in Drug Delivery, with her cutting-edge research focusing on developing sustainable systems using beneficial bacteria. She has represented her university in national competitions, competed in both mixed-gender and female-only tournaments, and played in one of the highest- level female leagues in Europe.

Speaking about her journey, Charlotte said:
“I am currently pursuing a PhD in Drug Delivery, where my research focuses on
developing innovative, sustainable solutions using beneficial bacteria. Alongside my academic career, I’ve also been a semi-professional League of Legends player for over half a decade, consistently ranking in the Top 10 position in my role within the UK.

I’ve represented my university, competed in mixed-gender and female-only
tournaments, and played in one of the highest female calibre leagues in Europe.
Gaming, which was once dismissed as ‘a waste of time’ in my household, has now
become one of my proudest achievements, teaching me teamwork, resilience, and
strategy – skills that also strengthen my work in science. Balancing the worlds of
research, esports, and pageantry has allowed me to show that intelligence and
passion can thrive together in unexpected ways.” Now a Miss England Semi-
Finalist, Charlotte is determined to use her platform to challenge stereotypes and
prove that gaming is not just for boys.

Charlotte is set to compete at the next Miss England semi final which is being
held on the 3 rd October at the Grand Station Wolverhampton but if she wins the
public vote she gains a place in the Miss England Grand final in November
when the winner goes straight to the final of the 73 rd Miss World.

DOWNLOAD
THE MISS ENGLAND APP FOR FREE TO VOTE FOR CHARLOTTE DAILY FOR
FREE!

To interview Charlotte contact [email protected] Miss England office Tel/whatsapp
07919 423003

Press release – July 2025

In the Mail online – Click the image to see the story

The future has arrived — and it’s wearing a crown.

In a groundbreaking move, the Miss England contest has introduced a brand new Artificial Intelligence round, giving contestants the chance to step into the world of tech by creating their very own digital twin & their own side hustle.

Thanks to an exciting collaboration with MirrorMe, Miss England contestants in 2025 are invited to take part in the first-ever AI-powered qualifier in Miss England history called “The Miss England Business Avatar Round”.

Over the course of a two-hour filming session, each participant opting to enter this round can develop a fully animated avatar — a digital version of themselves capable of hosting meetings, delivering presentations, and making virtual appearances. All this with being able to speak over 140 languages.

This innovative new round opens the door for contestants to embrace technology in a whole new way, highlighting their adaptability, creativity, and communication skills in the digital space.

Afton McKeith from London is the first Miss England semi finalist to complete her filming process.

Afton said “It’s such an exciting honour to be the first Miss England contestant to experience the Avatar round. This initiative is a brilliant way to encourage more young women to step into the world of business and technology. A digital twin can be a powerful asset as it allows you to create content that can be reused, save time on filming and even license your likeness to companies for campaigns or educational tools. It’s about working smarter and exploring new ways to build your brand, create income and stay present even when you’re not physically available.”

A New Era for budding Beauty queens & all ?

Through MirrorMe, contestants can record voiceovers and movements to bring their avatars to life, exploring how they might represent themselves in future digital interviews, business pitches, or public speaking engagements. It’s an empowering way to bridge beauty, brains and modern tech.

“Miss England has always been about more than just looks,” said national organiser for 23 years Angie Beasley. “With the rise of remote working, AI and virtual platforms, we felt it was time to reflect the world our contestants are stepping into. This round is about confidence, presence and impact — whether you’re in the room or on a screen.”

In the Daily Star click the image to read

In the Daily Star – Click the image

What’s Next?

The AI round will be integrated into this year’s semi final & final judging process, giving participants an opportunity to show how they engage with innovation — a skill that’s becoming just as important as stage presence.

TVNF Managing Director – JP Allard says: “What most people don’t realise is the experience that comes as part of being a Miss England contender, helping develop young women into becoming confident spokesperson and leaders in any career.   We are adding to this a new AI round that is not only going to help them adapt to the new World of AI, but give them a side Hussle to boost their income with a genuine step up the ladder into towards mastering AI.

We are so proud to bring something new and exciting to Miss England”

 With this bold new step, the Miss England contest proves once again that it’s not just keeping up with the times — it’s setting the pace.

Watch the video here 

For Further Information:

Enter the competition here 

See Miss England’s first AI Digital Twin announce the competition in action here: https://www.mirrormeai.com/avatars-in-action

Add our contacts details with Vishakha as main contact as Director of Communication [email protected] mobile +44 (0) 7857 579688

MirrorMe website www.mirrormeai.com

[email protected]