Interview with Miss Diamond Leicester 2020 – Georgia Newcombe

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog. It’s lovely getting to know fellow queens especially my fellow Diamond Queens.

Can you tell us why you entered pageants ?

I actually got scouted which is how my pageant journey began! I had never heard of pageants before, and whilst attending Clothes Show Live in Birmingham back in 2015 I was approached by Miss England at the time, and it continued from there. I haven’t looked back ever since!

Can you tell us more about your pageant journey so far ?

My pageant journey has been a crazy one! As I mentioned above, I was scouted for pageants, so it was like entering the unknown. I competed at my first pageant – Miss Leicester – where I placed in the top 10! I then entered the Miss Coventry and Warwickshire Heat, where I walked away with Miss Social Media – giving me the Miss Hinckley 2016 title. This gave me a place in the Miss England Quarter Finals which I won, and a place in the semi finals. I then went onto compete in YEMI, where I placed runner up, and Miss Paragon International, where I placed 2nd runner up. This is when I found home at Diamond!

Why did you decide to compete in your current system ?

I decided to compete for the title of Miss Diamond UK as I felt at home with the system. I already have followed some of the amazing past and present queens journeys, and to me it was unthinkable. I joined in May 2019 – and I have never looked back. The system allows you to be yourself, and makes everyone feel SO WELCOME.

What have pageants taught you ?

Pageants have taught me that when you want something – work hard to get it. I have always been a confident person,but pageants have taught me a new side of confidence. I am a hard working and passionate individual, and I have built on these skills by entering pageants.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My pageant platform is educating young adults about the importance of a healthy heart – and how common hidden heart conditions actually are. In November 2019, I was diagnosed with SVT – a hidden heart condition – and it’s crazy to think how much has happened since then. I have been in hospital quite a lot – and through it all I have been passionate about documenting my journey and helping others!

What’s your dream title ?

My dream title is Miss Regency International (so I have to get the Miss Diamond UK crown first )

What would it mean to you if you won Miss Diamond U.K. ?

To win Miss Diamond UK would be a HUGE achievement for me. I know how hard I have worked in the past year. Winning the crown is the added cherry to the cake – and I can’t wait for the finals and to meet all the girls.

What’s the best advice you can give to fellow pageant queens?

The best advice I can give is BE YOURSELF. People can see when you are being fake – be honest and make friends! I have made friends for life, and I have more pageant friends than I have actual friends!

What have you been doing in the run up to the final of Miss Diamond U.K. ?

In the run up to the Miss Diamond UK Finals i have been SO BUSY. I have travelled throughout the UK attending appearances, and I even travelled to Northern Ireland for the first time! I have fundraised not only for the chosen Diamond charities, but also for other amazing charities such as the Christie, Together for Short Lives and the British Heart Foundation. I have been working on my campaign #GoRedForTheHeart and most importantly, been meeting new people!

How has lockdown caused by COVID19 affected your pageant journey?

Lockdown has affected my pageant journey in so many ways. For a start – finals have been rescheduled for the health and safety of everyone else! But it has been difficult as normally every weekend I am out in my community doing something, and during lockdown that hasnt been possible. However, I have still been making the most of it and I have been holding online fundraising competitions, and making online appearances too!

What do you think makes a good pageant role model?

A role model to me is somebody that is kind, trustworthy and reliable. A pageant role model should also be consistent, and a positive influence.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favourite pageant round is interview! I love giving the judges an insight of my life! I also love fashion!

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

Pageant nerves don’t really hit me – I tend to just keep positive – and think of everything I have already done in the lead up to the finals! I also think of all the support I have!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your Diamond Journey so far I can’t wait to meet you at the finals. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.