Lifeguard Milla Magee has become the first size 16 contestant to secure the Miss England title.
The 23-year-old beauty will now go on to represent the country on the world stage after beating off competition from 39 other Brits at the Miss England finals. The sparkling event took place on May 17 at Wolverhampton’s Grand Station.
Picture: Pukaar News
In order to secure the crown, Milla was required to take part in a series of qualifying rounds, which included posting make up free images of herself on social media. She and the other contestants also had to create a Tik Tok reel showcasing their talent and source an 1920s themed travel outfit for the show’s opening scene at the former train station.
Picture: Pukaar News
Having banned the swimwear round from the contest, which has been running since 1928, the judges focused on the contestant’s studies, occupations and inspirational stories.
At school, Milla was picked on for being a 14-stone teenager. However after becoming a lifeguard, part-time model and now Miss England, her inspiring message to young girls is to let them know that “one size doesn’t fit all.”
“When I was younger I weighed quite a lot and I’ve always been very tall. (I’m now six foot). Growing up I was very happy, but I was bullied a lot because of the way that I looked and it took a toll on me mentally,” she told Pukaar.
“I want to use my Miss England platform as an opportunity to raise awareness for body dysmorphia and poor mental health – both of which I have suffered. If I can use my voice to create positive change and help encourage and inspire our young girls and show them that no one size fits all, that would be amazing. I want to show people that you can be a certain way and still be accepted in society regardless of what it has painted women to be.”
As part of her ‘Miss England’ mission, Milla also wants to use her platform to further raise the profile of her charity; ‘Go Far With CPR’ which is designed to raise awareness of the importance of First Aid and CPR training. Her aim is to get CPR put onto the school curriculum, and she is determined to do so.
As a lifeguard and a keen surfer, the Newquay resident is also keen to raise awareness for the mental health charity Papyrus, which helps in the prevention of young suicide.
Picture: Pukaar News
As part of her Miss England campaign, she sang Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ to remind people of the importance of self care.
“It’s important to have those places we can go to when we’re struggling,” she said. “Surfing really did save my life. When it’s me on my board in the ocean I feel like I can breath and that’s okay. Just stepping out, breathing in and embracing nature is so important.”
Milla will go on to represent the UK at Miss World. Although the date and place of the event are yet to be revealed, she is excited and determined to do the country proud on the world stage.
“I cannot express how incredibly proud I am to be representing our beautiful country and everything we represent. It is such an honour and I’m so excited to embark on this journey to the 72nd Miss World!” she said.
“I am 100 per cent devoted to representing our country and I just hope I do us proud!”
To follow Milla’s Miss England journey, check out her Instagram account at: https://www.instagram.com/milla.magee__/?hl=en
