The beauty pageant had been looking to reintroduce the bikini parade for the first time since 2009 but today (June 30) they revealed it would be scrapped entirely.
The controversial round had existed as an optional choice but contestants only had to submit beachwear-themed photos rather than appear on stage.
Organizer Angie Beasley previously vowed she would ‘refuse to bow to the woke brigade’ and said she was in talks about bringing bikinis back to the stage in 2023.
Milly Everatt, a farmer and HGV driver from Lincolnshire.
But following divided opinions among beauty queens and debates on national TV and radio, she said the decision had now been made to ditch the round.
Angie said the competition was ‘no longer a bathing beauty parade’ and now ‘celebrates women achievers,’ meaning the bikini round ‘sadly had to go.’
She said “The contestants’ views in the poll were very mixed, lots were saying to keep it optional.
“When asked if they would take part in the round, some said they would decline the opportunity if it’s presented but to keep it optional for the girls that do want it in.
“Miss England and Miss World celebrate women achievers.
“It’s been decided that the swimwear round will now be scrapped altogether from the contest for the foreseeable future.
“I know some contestants will be disappointed in this outcome but we can’t please everyone.
“It’s important that we opened up this debate to all as the contest is constantly evolving. It’s no longer a bathing beauty parade.
The swimwear parade for the Miss England beauty pageant was scrapped in 2009, following a campaign by former contestant Katrina Hodge.
The serving soldier – dubbed “Combat Barbie” – said it was “degrading” and wanted to bring the focus back to topics such as her charity work.
But she later admitted she regretted her “misguided” campaign to ban swimwear rounds at beauty contests.
She said: “I’m so disappointed the swimwear was banned as I enjoy wearing swimwear and I’ve worked hard for my body.
But Hannah Jowle, from Blackpool, one of this year’s semi-finalists, was one of those delighted with the result.
Miss Lincolnshire Milly Everatt, 22, a farmer’s daughter and model, of Eastoft, Lincs., previously said she was for keeping the controversial round.
She added: “I think it’s fun and celebrates body positivity.”
The reigning Miss London, Anjali Sinha, 23, a scientist from Middlesex, said: “I think the swimwear round is a wonderful platform for women to embrace their physical bodies.
The current Miss England is aerospace engineering student Jessica Gagen, 27, who will compete at the 71st Miss World in India later this year.
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
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