Tears of joy at sizzling showdown

Last updated 09:59, Tuesday, 11 November 2008

LOOKING pretty in pink, Chelsea Crowe last night wowed judges at the final of round three of The Modelling Competition 2008.

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Finalists from round 1, 2 and 3 of The Modelling Competition 2008 at The Nines. Friday 22nd August 2008. LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 0446767

The 16-year-old came top in the Evening Mail reader vote, scooping a direct pass into next month’s grand final.

Last night’s win proved the icing on the cake for Chelsea, who celebrated passing her GCSEs on Thursday.

She said: “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, I can’t believe it. It’s absolutely amazing.

“I wasn’t that nervous tonight, as I am used to dancing in front of a crowd, I have always done it.”

Chelsea received 3,843 of the 11,483 votes cast by Evening Mail readers.

Model Rachael Fredericks won the text vote, and an automatic place in the final.

Last night’s final at the Nines, Dalkeith Street, Barrow was held in front of a sell-out crowd.

A bevy of 22 beauties took to the stage in front of a judging panel consisting of photographer Mike Kells and former Modelling Competition winners.

Potential winners were put forward by audience votes, but it was up to the judging panel to make the final decision. Many nail-biting moments passed before competition organiser and compere, Dawn Kells, announced three winners from each age category.

Models Nikita McKenna, 19, Victoria Millis, 18, and Joanne Casson, 23, were the winners in the 18 to 24 category.

University student Nikita performed a Moulin Rouge-esque routine in front of the crowd. She was taken aback when her name was announced.

She said: “I am ecstatic, completely in shock. I genuinely didn’t think my name would get called out. I am really excited for the grand final.”

Winners from the 16 to 17 category included 16-year-old Catherine Courtman. Catherine’s inspiring story, of how she beat cancer to gain top GCSEs, was featured in yesterday’s Evening Mail.

She said: “I am really chuffed that I have made it through to the big final. This week has been an amazing week for me.

“I just can’t wait for the final now.”

The other two winners in Catherine’s category were 16-year-olds Amy Bates and Kayleigh West.

Japanese exchange student Noako Harade reduced the judges and competition organiser Dawn Kells to tears as she strutted her stuff to Grace Kelly by Mika.

Noako is currently studying at Barrow Sixth Form College as part of a foreign exchange programme.

Miss Kells said: “It was emotional for us because usually the girls have all of their friends and family there supporting them, but obviously Noako’s family are in Japan.

“She was really nervous in the rehearsal, but her performance was absolutely amazing.”