It’s been six weeks since the beautiful Model/ Presenter, Amy Willerton was crowned Miss London 2012 at London’s Cafe de Paris, and what a whirlwind it has been. As the Miss England hopeful prepares to achieve her dream of becoming the nation’s female ambassador, we sit down together for this exclusive interview- enjoy!
How do you feel about winning Miss London?
I’m immensely proud to have been crowned Miss London, it’s one of the most prestigious titles in the world! I was very nervous about entering as it was a really strong heat for Miss England – but so so pleased I decided to go for it!
How do you think the title can benefit you?
It will allow me to work with and represent the people of London. As a model and presenter it is sometimes hard to find something that will make you stand out from the crowd but the Miss London title will give me a massive platform of commuinication – especially with the Olympics being held in London this year.
Why did you run for Miss London?
I have always loved pageants – from watching Miss World as a child to winning other titles such as Miss Bristol and Miss Bath. When I moved to London earlier this year – my first thought was “I wonder if I should enter Miss London?!”
Do you believe having pageant and industry experience benefited you when competing for Miss London?
With every pageant I have done I have learnt something new so yes I believe so! However as useful as experience is, you still have to maintain the passion for what you are doing.
You are creating a great media profile for yourself, how do you feel this will benefit Miss London, and if successful, Miss England?
I think it brings a new element to the idea of a beauty queen. Most of the time we know nothing about our Miss London or indeed Miss England, so hopefully in having someone with a profile holding the title it will mean the true nature of pageants and all the fantastic charity work that goes into them will be better known to the public.
What are your hobbies?
I love keeping fit with running, skiing, surfing. I’m an adrenaline junkie and always love to be challenged. My biggest love is travelling – I want to see everything the world has to offer!
Obviously you were supposed to compete as Miss Bath 2011 last year but had to withdraw due to filming commitments, do you regret this decision?
It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make to be honest. Miss England has been a dream of mine for some time and I had worked very hard at the semis to get my place in the final. However, I had a 1 in 3 chance of winning ‘Signed by Katie Price’ and a 1 in 60 chance at Miss England – so I believe at the time it was the right choice given the odds! I try very hard not to regret anything as it lead me to where I am now, I’m just feel very lucky that I have been given a second chance.
You have said you want to change the perceptions of beauty pageants, how do you intend to do this?
By showing people what pageants are really about – bringing girls from all different backgrounds together and making good things happen! It’s a shame that misconceptions in the media are causing a negative effect on the way people view pageants. Hopefully my profile will mean more people will know the positive things. I went from a shy girl who was bullied at school to a confident women - my pageant experience was what gave me that. And I want to give other girls the same gift.
What role do you believe Miss England should fulfil in society?
I believe Miss England should be a role model for the girls of England and representative of England for girls around the world. I think it is Important to have a wide range of knowledge about the history of the country and an understanding of what it is to be English .
What can you bring to the Miss England competition that is different to other competitors?
What I can bring to the title is dedication, a mass knowledge of English history, a confident speaker and presenter, and attention in the media – I’m someone who is known for always standing up for what they believe in and speaking the truth, and I want to use this to reflect a positive image for the competition because I believe in it 100%.
We feel you represent the modern woman who has a voice, beauty and brains- why do you think it is important to voice your beliefs?
If Miss London were someone that did simply smile and wave at events, then I think people would have the right to judge the value of pageant winners. However, I have always believed
to be a representative, it requires being a strong women who stands up for the rights of herself and others. Speaking the truth hasn’t always made my life easy but at least I do every with a clear conscience and heart.
How do you feel those qualities could benefit Miss England if you were to win?
I think if the English people recognise their Miss England in this way they may take more note of what she is contributing towards society.
You are in the process of organising a charity event to raise funds for Beauty With A Purpose, tell us about other charity work you have been involved in?
However, the most charity I do most work for is my brother and his school as he suffers with severe disabilities.
What are your beauty secrets?
I like to keep things really natural! Use natural, organic products, such as mineral make up for the skin. As my mum used to tell me “less is more!”
What advice can you give to other finalists competing in regional heats?
It may sound cliche but honestly, it’s as simple as- be yourself and believe in yourself!
Who are your idols?
I am inspired by many strong women such as; Grace Kelly, Anne Boleyn, Princess Diana, and Marilyn Monroe.
What are your goals for the year ahead?
I want to travel, keeping developing my career, be happy and hopefully win Miss England!
Finally, why do you want to be Miss England?
It would mean the world to me to become Miss England, it’s been a really big dream for me for a long time and I would be very proud to hold the title.
