North West Evening Mail

Joining the jet set

Last updated 15:09, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

SPOTLIGHT: Kells model competition winners having their photographs taken by Mike Kells

GEORGIA Andrews interrupted a last-minute shop to chat to the Evening Mail days before she jets off to Fuerteventura.

She’s frantically snapping up holiday essentials because firstly, she’s never been abroad before and secondly, she never imagined she’d win.

Georgia says she’s proof that the Kells Modelling Competition is not just a popularity contest.

“All my wider family is in Preston,” said the 17-year-old student.

“I didn’t expect to win so I didn’t think about where it would lead to. So now I’ve got a week to get my clothes sorted and get everything packed – and find a suitcase!”

The contingent from Preston and her family in Barrow meant Georgia was well represented at the final last Friday but only the judges had the deciding vote.

“It was dead exciting, but really tense,” said Georgia, of Conway Gardens, Walney.

“Thirty-four people, friends and family, came to support me with balloons and banners. There was more pressure knowing they were there because it felt like there were more people to let down.”

Her favourite part of the final was the tribal dance routine.

She said: “We were given the material and we had to create our own outfit. I went for the cave girl kind of thing. Then we did our own routines. We also had to go glamorous and we had to wear our own clothes.

“Clothes show your individuality, which also came across in the routines.

“I was jumping on the speakers and getting the crowd going.

“I wanted to display my personality rather than posing.”

Georgia’s polished appearance throughout the competition is far removed from her everyday look.

The beauty therapy student wears a brown tunic at Furness College and leaves the house with naturally curly hair and mascara.

“If I’m on a night out I will spend quite a while getting ready and will make an effort,” she concedes.

“I don’t judge people from looks, it’s their inner beauty that counts. I find imperfections beautiful.”

Her parting comments before dashing back to the shops was endearingly: “I don’t want to come across as big headed. I was really shocked to win because there was such good competition. I didn’t go in it to win it, so winning it put the icing on the cake.”

GEORGIA ANDREWS’ Q&A:

What’s your favourite band/singer? Too hard to choose. I like any music that I can get my groove on to.

What’s your favourite film?

I enjoy comedies, especially anything with Adam Sandler in. I also love Disney films, Finding Nemo being my all time favourite.

Handbags or shoes?

Definitely shoes! My wardrobe is full of them. From sandals, to boots, to stilettos, to even wellies.

What’s your favourite food?

Chicken curry covered with tomato sauce.

What’s your favourite soap?

There’s only one soap for me ... Hollyoaks.

How would your best friend describe you?

One of a kind.

What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve bought?

I’m the ultimate bargain queen.

What can’t you live without?

My best friend Craig Arms, he’s a gem.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I have 10 GCSEs A-C, and I think Peter Kay is hot!

What’s your ambition?

To one day run a successful business.

THE realisation that she’s scooped the dream prize is just beginning to dawn on 19-year-old Charlotte Martin, who entered the competition because she wanted a “nice picture”.

“I was really surprised because I didn’t expect it at all,” said Charlotte, who lives with her mam, brother and sister in Anson Street, Barrow. “When I got through to the shortlist I was backstage shaking, because I had to make a speech and I had no idea what to say.”

Nor did Charlotte realise she’d have to take to the catwalk as part of the competition.

“When I realised I was a bit nervous but during rehearsals I got to know everyone and taking part was really good fun. I originally entered it to have a nice picture and that’s the only reason I entered. I honestly didn’t think I would get into the final but when I got through I thought: “This is cool!”

“The atmosphere was really good and we all got to know each other and I started to meet other lasses outside the competition. When you were on stage all the other girls would cheer for you.”

Now she can’t wait to jet off to the Canary Islands on Wednesday, even if it has meant postponing her travel plans. She’d hoped to tour Australia in February but thinks she might need some more time to save after her week away.

She said: “I’m going shopping this afternoon to see if there are any bargains. Some of my friends have been on holiday this year so I’m going to raid their wardrobes. I’m really looking forward to seeing the pictures after the Fuerteventura shoot. We’ll be doing a lot of beach stuff and some funky photos with the tribal outfits we made. We had a month to make them but I left mine until two days before the photo shoot.

“I’d like to say thank-you to Cath, Julie and Arthur for their help through the competition and with my tribal outfit.”

Matalan customers will be more used to seeing Charlotte in the store’s trademark uniform and away from the lens she’d rather spend time round cars than shops.

She said: “At the moment I’m driving a Vauxhall Corsa but if I could afford it I’d have an Audi R8 in silver.”

And while she’s dreaming of the high life she’s determined to make the most of her trip. She said: “Entering the Modelling Competition has given me more confidence. I wouldn’t have done this six months ago. I don’t know what possessed me to do it to be quite honest but I’m pleased I did now.”

CHARLOTTE MARTIN’S Q&A:

What’s your favourite band/singer?

To be honest I don’t really have one. I would say my favourite DJ is Tiesto (who I’ve seen live twice this year) but other than that I listen to all kinds of music.

What’s your favourite film? The Fast and the Furious films. I would love to visit somewhere like Japan and check out all the up-and-coming new cars and modified cars.

Handbags or shoes?

I think I’m going to have to say handbags, although I wouldn’t really say I have a lot of either.

What’s your favourite food? Chicken! Anything which involves chicken, and a good Chinese meal every now and then.

What’s your favourite soap? I don’t watch TV that much, but I’d have to say Neighbours as I’ve watched that since I was little. Although I don’t get to watch it all the time, I still think it is very good.

How would your best friend describe you?

Easy going, random, funny, caring, good listener and a great all rounder.

What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve bought?

Not too sure, I suppose the big dress I wore for the final, which was only about £100 which I got from China.

What can’t you live without? My mobile phone! I would be lost without it, it has so many memories on it and I’ve had it for years and its never let me down.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? Oh I’m not too sure, possibly that I’m into my old cars and modified cars and also that I listen to quite a lot of rock/metal music.

What’s your ambition?

I’m hoping to save up (which I’m not doing a very good job of) and do a bit of traveling and working around Australia.

PAIGE Livingston’s success in the modelling competition has taken her from the back pages to the front.

The 17-year-old basketball star has been a regular on the Evening Mail sports pages since her early school days.

Her statuesque 6ft 1in frame is not only influential on the court but is also highly prized on the catwalk.

Regardless of her model credentials Paige was “gobsmacked” when event organiser Dawn Kells announced she’d won.

“It was totally out of the blue,” said the 17-year-old, of Victoria Avenue, Barrow. “It still hasn’t sunk in, really.”

Despite beating hundreds of other hopefuls, Paige is content to enjoy the moment while it lasts.

She has her heart set on a teaching career and if she applies herself to her studies in the same way she has to her sport basketball could soon feature prominently on the curriculum.

She travels to Manchester every Tuesday and Thursday to train with Manchester Mystics on top of her studies at Barrow Sixth Form.

She said: “I’m hoping to go to Manchester University to become a sports teacher, so it will be easier to train. But at the moment it’s quite hard and I’m always tired.

“Going to Fuerteventura will be a good break for me. I’m hoping to get a tan and just enjoy the experience.”

Paige was encouraged to enter the competition by her nanna, Marion.

It was also an opportunity for Paige, who’s been recognised by Barrow Borough Sports Council for her outstanding efforts in the worlds of basketball and netball, to ditch the hoodies and trainers for a more feminine look.

Although she stops short of stilettos.

“My mum says they make me look like one of those Funny Girls,” she said, with her trademark self-deprecating wit.

PAIGE LIVINGSTON’S Q&A

What’s your favourite band/singer?

Probably between Ne-yo and Rihanna.. I’m a fan of RnB.

What’s your favourite film? Dirty Dancing.

Handbags or shoes? Probably bags, although I have loads of sandals. I’m not allowed to wear high shoes because I’m too tall and apparently look like one of those ‘Funny Girl’ transvestites.

What’s your favourite food? Chinese always goes down a treat. And Italian I suppose (I work in Pizza Hut)

What’s your favourite soap? Dove. Haha what a comedian!.. Hollyoaks.

How would your best friend describe you? Sporty, loud, joker, enthusiastic, bit dopey, lanky.

What’s the most expensive fashion item you’ve bought? Basketball boots are quite expensive. And my Uggs that the boyfriend bought me, bless him.

What can’t you live without? My phone.

What would people be surprised to learn about you? I play basketball for a Manchester team and I have to train there twice a week.

What’s your ambition? Well hopefully pass my A Levels, get to University and become a secondary school sports teacher.

“Dawn and her sister asked me to pop along and sign up if I was interested,” said Rebecca of Rydal Road, Ulverston. “I think I was looking for something in a rush, because I was going out that night and I was in two minds whether to or not because my parking ticket was running out.”

Four months later and she’s on the podium being crowned the winner.

REBECCA Harrison entered the modelling competition after being “spotted” on the street.

Rebecca, a sales administrator for Cater-Kwik in Ulverston, says she’s thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“It’s been great getting to know all the other girls. I’ve come out of the competition with 30 extra friends,” she said. “We’ve all been keeping in contact on Facebook. Going through all the rehearsals was fun and a good bonding session. I never imagined I’d win. I was 100 per cent convinced Farrah would win. When my name was called I didn’t know what to do with myself. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

Rebecca says winning the competition has reinforced how much her family means to her.

She said: “Knowing my family is behind me, whatever I do, is the most important thing I’ll take away from the competition. I didn’t expect them to be as involved as they were. My sister Chelsea has been like my manager, advising me what to wear.”

Now the only dilemma for the fashion-conscious 20-year-old is what to take to Fuerteventura.

She said: “I’ve ordered a few bikinis and only one has turned up, but there’s a few days to go. I’ve bought a couple of vest tops, too. I’m looking forward to having great photos of me because the settings make the picture.”

Although she can’t wait to taste the model lifestyle Rebecca isn’t taking herself, or an alternative career, too seriously. I’m settled in my job and I think modelling is quite a bitchy world to get into,” she said.

REBECCA HARRISON’S Q&A

What’s your favourite band/singer?

Rihanna, Katie Perry, The Script, Chris Brown (he’s lush!) there’s just a few, I could go on forever.

What’s your favourite film?

Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing, Monsters Inc!

Handbags or shoes?

SHOES! I have millions of pairs.

What’s your favourite food?

Thai food, steak, chocolate.

What’s your favourite TV soap?

Eastenders, Trinny & Susannah.

How would your best friend describe you?