Semi Final 2026

Every year on International Women’s Day, people around the world come together to celebrate the achievements of women and to continue the call for gender equality.

This years theme is #GiveToGain

When we give, we gain.

Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving

At the Miss England competition, the spirit of International Women’s Day is reflected in the supportive community created by its contestants and winners.

The Miss England platform is about far more than a crown — it’s about empowering young women, building confidence and forming lifelong friendships.

R-L – Angie Beasley Director of Miss England since 2002 , Grace Richardson, reigning Miss England , Lisa Powell , Choregrapher for Miss England since 2002 in the #GiveToGain pose

Angie Beasley has been the director of Miss England since 2002 on behalf of Miss World and said ” Contestants often arrive at the competition not knowing anyone, but leave having formed strong bonds with fellow finalists. Throughout the journey they encourage each other, share advice and support one another both on and off the stage. Many contestants say the experience helps them grow in confidence, develop new skills and discover their own voice. Its amazing to see women empowering each other throughout the process and become lifelong friends like Lisa and I have through helping each other” 

From mentoring new contestants to promoting important causes through their Beauty with a Purpose projects, the Miss England contest continue’s to demonstrate the values at the heart of International Women’s Day. 

The ethos of Miss World is “Beauty with a Purpose,” a philosophy that celebrates compassion, service, and the power of women to create positive change. The Miss England competition proudly embraces this vision by continually promoting initiatives that empower women both in the UK and across the world. Through charitable projects, humanitarian work, and campaigns that encourage confidence, leadership, and social impact, Miss England contestants are encouraged to use their voices and platforms to support important causes and inspire others. By championing purpose alongside beauty, Miss England helps young women realise their potential and make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on March 8th each year and recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment across all sectors of society.

The Miss England competition is proud to stand with the International Women’s Day movement, celebrating the strength, diversity, inclusion,  ambition and compassion of the remarkable women who take part in the competition each year.

— FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —

Monday 6th October 2025

Lincolnshire, UK — October 4, 2025 — Local emergency responder Mary-Anna Jennings, a fire women from Lincolnshire has been crowned the ‘We Do Ethical Queen’  semi final winner at the Miss England 2025 Semi-Finals, held at The Grand Station, Wolverhampton, on Friday 3rd October.

Mary-Anna’s win secures her place in the Miss England National Final this November, where she will proudly represent her home county once again after winning the award and retaining her Miss Lincolnshire title.

Mary in her winning Potato Sack Outfit inspired by Marilyn Monroe

This year’s We Do Ethical Queen Award, presented by Kelly Levell, founder of We Do Ethical and the Miss England South West Regional Director, celebrated creativity and conscious fashion under the 1950s-inspired theme of “Body Positivity”.

Taking inspiration from Marilyn Monroe’s iconic 1950s potato sack dress, Mary-Anna created a stunning upcycled outfit made entirely from reused potato sacks sourced from her local Lincolnshire farm. Her design impressed judges with its innovation, message of sustainability, and clever nod to her county’s rich agricultural heritage.

She paired her hand-crafted corset with a flowing A-line skirt made from Tencel, one of the world’s most sustainable fabrics, produced at the UK’s only Tencel factory, based right in her hometown of Grimsby. Designed for rewear and longevity, the outfit represents circular fashion at its best.

Beyond the catwalk, Mary-Anna is a passionate advocate for environmental change in her community. She recently hosted a Fashion Swap Party at LUSH Lincoln, saving over 300 items of clothing from landfill. The equivalent of 1,800 kg of CO₂e saved. She also fundraised to plant 47 trees, offsetting an additional 2,679 kg of CO₂e, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.

Mary-Anna has pledged that her entire Miss England wardrobe will be 100% ethical this year, and local supporters will soon be able to see her winning design in person! It will be on display at Freshney Place Shopping Centre, Grimsby, from 28th October for three weeks.

Mary-Anna Jennings said:

“I feel so proud to have won this award in an outfit that represents Lincolnshire, Grimsby and my values so well. With our county known for agriculture, competing at a beauty pageant in a potato sack is wacky but wonderful! Partnering with local social enterprise, ‘What If We Create’ to screen print the corset and Grimsby’s Lenzing factory to use sustainable Tencel fabric also let me showcase my passion for equality, diversity and inclusion. I hope to continue doing the county proud when I represent it on the national stage at the Miss England finals in November.”

Kelly Levell, who has led the Ethical Fashion Award since 2014, added:

“Mary-Anna truly embodies what the We Do Ethical Queen Award stands for. Sustainability, compassion, and creativity. Her design was not only a nod to vintage glamour but also a bold statement on the power of sustainable fashion. She’s even adopted a planter bed at her local community garden, expanding our new ethical kitchen garden initiative nationally. She’s such an inspiring role model for young women everywhere.”

Mary walks the catwalk in the winning outfit on the Miss England semi final catwalk – photo by Alan Strutt

The Miss England semi-finals also featured rounds including Sports, Bare Face (make-up free), Talent, Public Vote, and Beauty with a Purpose — highlighting intelligence, creativity, social action, community and giving back to others.

The semi-final event was streamed live on The Beauty Queen Channel via Amazon Fire, allowing supporters from Lincolnshire and beyond to watch Mary-Anna shine on stage. You can tune in again on 20-21st November to watch Mary compete for the Miss World England title!

Download the Miss England App to vote for Mary in the National Final:

Follow Mary’s journey and donate to support her tree planting pledge here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/miss-lincs-tree-pledge

⸻ENDS ⸻

PRESS RELEASE IMAGES LINK:

Mary-Anna Jennings image folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UWs2pe2_xN_CEAq6W2FZTfpRCa9EKJXx

Photo Credits:

Alan Strutt (all other semi-final event photos)

Instagrams: @missenglandlimited | @wedoethicalorg @Mary_jennings05

Press Contacts:

Kelly Levell

WhatsApp: 07581008382

[email protected]

Angie Beasley:

[email protected]

WhatsApp: 07979 742756

Download the Miss England App to vote for Mary-Anna in the National Final: missengland.page.link/app

The two day Miss England final is being held on

Dates: 20th & 21st November 2025

Venue: Grand Station, Wolverhampton

The public vote starts on the Miss England App – available on iOS & Android FREE to download on 25^th October 2025

Tickets are on sale for the red carpet style final which includes a 1950s Hollywood Glam Ethical fashion show here 

Socials: @missenglandlimited (Instagram)

#MissWorldEngland(Facebook)  @MissEnglandNews Facebook  #missengland #BeautyWithAPurpose Press Contact:– [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE 8/10/ 2025

From “Waste of Time” to Top 10 Female Gamer in UK: Scientist Esports Star Charlotte Yeung Shines on ITV’s The Genius Game & now in Miss England as the new Miss London !

Charlotte Yeung, a 25-year-old PhD researcher and semi-professional esports player, is the new Miss London.

Having 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 Grand final which is being held on the 20th & 21st November  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 ONCE VOTING BEGINS

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

Charlotte Yeung taking part in the Miss England Semi Final wearing her Ethical Fashion outfit Photo by: Alan Strutt

Click here to view Charlottes Explore The Nation Entry

The two day Miss England final is being held on

Dates: 20th & 21st November 2025

Venue: Grand Station, Wolverhampton

The public vote starts on the Miss England App – available on iOS & Android FREE to download on 25^th October 2025

Tickets are on sale for the red carpet style final which includes a 1950s Hollywood Glam Ethical fashion show here 

Socials: @missenglandlimited (Instagram)

#MissWorldEngland(Facebook)  @MissEnglandNews Facebook  #missengland #BeautyWithAPurpose Press Contact:– [email protected]

 Phoebe Michaelides on Loss, Renewal, and the Power of Authentic Beauty When Phoebe Michaelides was crowned Miss Cosmo England 2025, she described it as “a surreal but beautiful reminder that we are the authors of our own lives.”

All images on this page – Alan Strutt

In the same glittering evening ceremony held at the Grand Station Woloverhampton, she also won the Miss World England Public Vote, securing her place in the Miss England national finals next month.

A successful evening for Phoebe indeed!

Phoebe with No12Chocolatier who gifted the contestants with hand made chocolates

For Phoebe, the path to this moment has never been about crowns, but about meaning — about what beauty can express, not merely display. A Certified Nutritionist with a BSc in Human Nutrition, now completing her Master’s in Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, she has spent years exploring how science and art together can illuminate the depths of the human experience. Her studies in science and psychology, coupled with her background in performance and storytelling, allow her to bridge intellect and emotion — to ask not just how we live, but why. That question became deeply personal three years ago, when Phoebe lost her mother to an aggressive cancer that spread rapidly to her spine, leading to complete deterioration within just three months of diagnosis. Her mother’s final act — donating her body to medical science — was a gesture of extraordinary courage and generosity that profoundly reshaped Phoebe’s understanding of life, death, and purpose. “Witnessing that act of selflessness changed everything,” she says. “It showed me that love and meaning can survive even in loss, and that the human spirit, though fragile, can also be immeasurably strong.” In the wake of that experience, Phoebe found her purpose: to transform loss into learning, and to study the mind not as an abstract discipline, but as a living expression of resilience.

This philosophy runs through all her work. Her TEDx talk on resilience and modern spirituality first explored how myth and psychology can guide personal renewal. That same thread runs through her award-winning Greek-inspired play Through the Grapevine, which reimagines ancient myth to examine grief, autonomy, and transformation, earning international recognition from the Oniros Film Awards (New York), Best Script Awards (London), and the Greece International Film Festival. In 2025, Phoebe was honoured with a Global Recognition Award for Artistic Excellence, celebrating her contribution to theatre and social impact. She has since completed multiple charity marathons (running 26.2 miles) in her mother’s honour, raising money and awareness for bereavement causes.

Beyond pageantry, Phoebe is developing several creative and philanthropic projects that reflect her belief in beauty as an act of meaning. Among them is Inner Vogue, an evolving editorial initiative exploring beauty as an inner force — where psychology meets glamour and self-awareness. Alongside this, she is shaping The Phoenix Letters, a letter-writing campaign offering words of hope to those navigating loss and major life transitions, and continuing her work as a Certified Nutritionist and emerging psychologist, developing integrative approaches to body image and emotional wellbeing. Together, these projects form part of her broader vision: to unite intellect and empathy, science and art, into a new understanding of strength — one that heals as it inspires.

Phoebe Michaelides by Alan Strutt – Phoebe will be travelling to Vietnam in December for Miss Cosmo International

As the founder of Studio Michaelides Ltd, a creative house uniting psychology, theatre, and philanthropy, Phoebe embodies the ethos of both Miss Cosmo and Miss World — using beauty as a platform for purpose. “To me, impactful beauty begins in self-awareness,” she says. “It’s not about surface perfection, but about coherence — when your inner world and
outer expression align, you create a presence that others can feel.” With both titles now intertwined in her journey, Phoebe’s focus remains on using each platform to champion meaningful beauty. As she prepares to compete nationally at Miss
World England and to represent England internationally at Miss Cosmo 2025, she reflects with quiet optimism:
“If it were to become a double win,” she says, “I’d see it not only as a personal triumph, but as proof that intellect, empathy, and authenticity truly resonate — that beauty – when it carries depth – can lead.”

ENDS

The 39 semi finalists pose in their Little Black Dresses for a photocall after the pre judging event

Mary Anna Jennings retained her Miss Lincolnshire by winning the 1950’s We Do Ethical Queen award which was held as an ethical fashion show on the night of the semi final wearing a dress made from Lincolnshire Potato sacks and a bedsheet which was inspired by Marilyn Monroe posing in a potato sack in 1950!

Amy Joyce (20) was crowned Miss Sussex at the event-  sponsored by Mayfair Quarters

Public vote winner – Phoebe Michaelides  (27) also won the Miss Cosmo England title   Sponsored by White Rose Dental

Phoebe holds her chocolates from No.12 Chocolatier

See Phoebe’s press release here :  Phoebe Michaelides

Mirror Me Women in Business Avatar winner -Jessica Pliskin (23)  crowned Miss Bristol  wearing her 1950s Marilyn Monroe

 

Beauty with a Purpose Top Fundraiser – Miss Northumberland Corel Jo Antwhistle (24) raised over £3k for the Miss World charity Beauty with a Purpose – Corel received a Diamond Pendant from Diamond Dealer Directsponsored by Cumbria Park Hotel

Talent winner  – Lizzy Anderson (23)  crowned Miss Merseyside   – Lizzy is from Ormskirk Liverpool

– Sponsored by Charlotte Grant Cosmetics

Bare FaceTop Model winner 

Lisa’s entry to the Bare Face round

Lisa Austin the Bare Face Top Model winner – Sponsored by Caesium Skincare

 

Charlotte Yeung crowned Miss London Sponsored by Martin & Ko Hair

The new Miss Birmingham is Evanjelin Elchemar (24)  –

 Sponsored by Richard Murrill

 

The new Miss Dorset is Jasmine Vinod  – (18)

The new Miss Newcastle  is Laura Ann Turner (20) –

Sponsored by Paula Collies

The new Miss Oxford & Cambridge Sidra Malik (22)

 

Winning the Publicity Queen award on the night was Holly Worswick –  (26)

Rainworth Skoda

Afton McKeith  –  (24) was a judges choice on the night of the semi final –

Jessica Bailey  was a judges choice – looking incredible in her WeDo Ethical outfit – (20)

sponsored by Linda Mary /Richard Clark

Another Judges Choice on the semi final night was – Chloe Nawenko – (19)

sponsored by Blessings Treatments

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 was sponsored by: www.gelida.co.uk

in the Miss England Semi Final.

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

Afton will compete against other hopefuls in the upcoming prestigious Miss England Grand Final.

The final takes place at the Grand Station Wolverhampton on Thursday November 20th & Friday November 21st 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