Pair in beauty contest finals

Pair in beauty contest finals

27 April 2016

A WHIRLWIND year may be unfolding for one of two young hopefuls in this year’s Miss Northern Ireland competition.

Newcastle’s Emma Nicholson (19) and 21 year-old Lauren Brown, from Comber, have been selected as finalists in the ever-popular beauty pageant

The two women were delighted to make the cut at the most recent competition heat in Omagh and are looking forward to taking part in the final at the Europa Hotel in Belfast in mid-May.

Getting ready to take part in a model boot camp to learn some of the tricks of the trade before the big final, both Emma and Lauren are excited by the social side of the competition as well as the prospect of being selected as Miss NI 2016.

Emma, who is studying Business and PR at Liverpool and John Moore’s University, and Lauren, a pharmacy student at Queen’s University, Belfast, say they have crammed in some early revision to make sure they can enjoy the Miss Northern Ireland final, despite it coinciding with the summer exam season.

And while Emma is a total newcomer to modelling after being persuaded to give it a go because of her height, Lauren took part in the competition last year and hopes an extra year of promotional work will give her greater confidence this year.

“I am tall and had always been advised to try modelling but never really had the confidence before,” admits Emma.

“After being at university for a year I suppose I have gained a bit more independence and am stronger as a person so I am more ready.

“I was so shocked to be selected but am loving the different experiences and friends made already.”

Lauren, meanwhile, believes nerves may have been to her detriment last year and hopes experiences of the past 12 months will help her perform better at the final.

“I have probably changed quite a lot and while I was not shy last year I have definitely gained more confidence,” she said.

“I can’t wait to do it all again this year and am looking forward to picking out my outfits.”