Who is the most beautiful of them all? Meet the glamorous girls vying to become Miss World
- Miss World grand final will take place in London on 14 December
- Beauty pageant will be broadcast to millions around the globe
- 120 contestants will represent their home nations
- Many have a university degree, unusual hobbies and do charity work
Beauty queens have descended on London to be put through their paces in sport and swimwear competitions ahead of December's Miss World final - returning to the city where it all started 63 years ago.
The show, which will be broadcast to millions of viewers across the globe, features 120 international contestants each deemed to be not only the most beautiful in their home countries but the best example of what it means to be a modern woman.
This year's crop, far from being the stereotypical dumb beauty queens, are both pretty and polished, with the majority holding a university degree, as well as juggling a vast array of interests, hobbies and charity work.
As the contestants wait to discover who will take number one spot on the 14th December, FEMAIL takes a look at those hotly tipped to take home the crown this year...
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Getting some tips: This year's contestants meet the current Miss World as the competition returns to London
Representing the UK and Ireland: From left, Miss England Carina Tyrrell, Miss Northern Ireland Rebekah Shirley, Miss Scotland Ellie McKeating, Miss Wales Alice Ford and Miss Ireland Jessica Hayes
MISS ENGLAND: CARINA TYRRELL
English rose: University of Cambridge medical student Carina Tyrell is England's entry for Miss World 2014
First-class brain: Carina recently achieved First Class honours in her pre-clinical medical studies degree from Cambridge University
AGE: 24
NEED TO KNOW: England's Carina Tyrrell is among the cleverest of this year's crop, thanks to a first-class brain that has earned her First Class honours in her pre-clinical medical studies degree from Cambridge University.
The medical student, who will now begin clinical training, is also the president of the Cambridge University Global Health Society, which works to increase awareness of health issues around the world, as well as working with those less fortunate in the UK.
But her academic achievements are just one string to this multi-talented beauty's bow. In addition to studying for a degree and participating in Miss World, Miss Tyrrell has raised £19,800 for the international children's charity Terre des Hommes, worked at the World Health Organization for the Tropical Diseases Research department, and to top it off, regularly volunteers with homeless charities in Cambridge.
Looking good: The accomplished future doctor is representing England in the upcoming Miss World competition which is being held in London
If that wasn't enough, she is also a fully trained ski instructor, won a national gymnastics award and regularly travels abroad on humanitarian trips to work with children in India, Brazil, Ghana and Rwanda.
Nevertheless, with her long dark hair and slender size eight figure, Miss Tyrrell, who also speaks fluent French, is no slouch in the looks department either.
Speaking about entering the competition, she said: 'I am delighted and proud to be representing England at Miss World. I want to make the most out of life and have enjoyed looking after children at camps and crashes, being a ski instructor for children, water skiing and dress making, designing and modelling.
'Today at age 24, I am a senior student doctor at the University of Cambridge. I have been fortunate enough to help in numerous countries around the world, with a number of local and international hospitals, charities and organisations.
'Since the age of five, I have been deeply moved by the human suffering experienced by those less fortunate. My desire to become a doctor grew stronger as I was exposed to the reality of healthcare around the world.
'My aim is work in global healthcare and be on the forefront of helping people on a worldwide scale.'
WIN FACTOR: 10/10
MISS WALES: ALICE FORD
AGE: 21
Brains as well as beauty: Currently studying molecular biology at Cardiff University
Rivals: Alice Ford (right), pictured here with Miss England (left) and the current Miss World
NEED TO KNOW: Currently studying molecular biology at Cardiff University, Miss Wales - aka Alice Ford, 21 - is another beauty with brains.
Speaking about her place in the Miss World final, Miss Ford said: 'What drove me to enter Miss Wales was the way in which they empower women.
'Leading up to the Miss Wales competition, all the contestants take part in an empowerment day that encourages young women to think positively and believe in themselves.
'This day taught women about not just empowering ourselves, but to empower each too, which is what the competition is all about. The Miss Wales competition has given me more confidence in myself than I could ever have imagined.
'Being a student scientist, empowering young women is personal to me. I feel it is extremely important that we encourage more girls to join the scientific field where I feel that we are sometimes under represented.'
WIN FACTOR: 9/10
MISS SCOTLAND: ELLIE MCKEATING
Born and raised in Glasgow: Ellie McKeating, who was crowned Miss Scotland in May, comes from a large but close knit extended family
Dream job: Ellie is currently in her 2nd year studying Film & Media and Marketing and the University of Stirling and wants to be a TV presenter
AGE: 20
NEED TO KNOW:Miss McKeating, 20, was born and raised in the city of Glasgow in a large but close knit extended family.
Currently in her 2nd year studying Film & Media and Marketing and the University of Stirling, she has aspirations of a career on television. In her spare time, Ellie likes photography, film editing, and cooking, her favourite sports include skiing, swimming and yoga.
The blonde beauty says: 'Film making has always been a passion of mine since i was a little girl and as well as being behind the camera I look forward to pursuing one in front of it as a presenter.
'Alongside my Miss Scotland duties, finding time to remain active is important to me and having a healthy mind and balancing my fitness means just as much.
'Coming from a huge family I am surrounded by children on a daily basis and i absolutely love them, their imaginations are increadible and to think there are children all over the world who are suffering in pain and poverty is truly upsetting and simply unfair.
'I intended to help these children and give them all the opportunities I had as a child. In Scotland we have the highest children poverty rate in all of Europe and it's devestating to hear. I hope I will be able to help them in my position as Miss Scotland.
She says her most memorable encounter was in the president's suite of Murrayfield stadium, when she stood 10m away from Princess Anne of the British Royal Family. 'Although we did not meet, she smiled very fondly at me,' Ellie recalls.
WIN FACTOR: 8/10
MISS NORTHERN IRELAND: REBEKAH SHIRLEY
Aspirations: Rebekah would love to have a career in the media and said she's honoured to be taking part in Miss World
AGE: 18
NEED TO KNOW: Rebekah is a Media student currently on a gap year.
Born and raised in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, Rebekah aspires to an exciting career in the media. She said: 'I am very honoured to be representing my country in Miss World. I desire to have a positive impact on all the lives I connect with and never take people for granted.
'Being Miss Northern Ireland has given me the opportunity to meet people from many different walks of life.'
In her spare time Rebekah enjoys playing volleyball and netball, and spends time reading biographies and watching style tutorials online.
She is big fan of Instagram, saying: 'They say a picture tells a thousand words and I love getting a visual insight into other people's lives. It also gives me a great platform to promote myself.'
WIN FACTOR: 7/10
MISS REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: JESSICA HAYES
AGE: 20
Loves to keep up-to-date with the news: Jessica admits her favourite website is the MailOnline
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Jessica is currently studying Buisness Studies in her hometown of Cork but hopes to have a career in the fashion industry.
'Winning Miss Ireland was an unbelievable experience for me and I am thrilled to be representing my country at the miss world final 2014. I cannot wait to meet the other contestants and enjoy the experience Miss World will bring,' Jessica said.
When asked what she couldn't live without, Jessica revealed she's a woman of good taste: 'I couldn't live without the website, 'The Daily Mail' as it keeps me updated on news and other affairs, on the go,' she said.
'The best app I've used is 'Facetime' as I have family living in Paris and London, so this really helps with staying in touch.'
WIN FACTOR: 10/10
MISS CANADA: ANNORA BOURGEAULT
AGE: 21
Studying: Miss Canada Annora Bourgeault is a fourth year honours psychology student who hopes to gain her doctorate in counselling
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 'I am thrilled to have been chosen to represent Canada,' Annora explains, 'I seek travel and adventure with the desire to spread hope and positivity to all of the wonderful people I meet!'
Annora is a fourth year honours psychology student who hopes to gain her doctorate in counselling. 'My passion is spreading happiness to all of those I encounter and I am so excited to meet the incredible women competing to be Miss World.'
She said the thing that annoys her most about the world is that: 'People are so intently rushing in their own lives they don't look up and notice the beautiful people and places they are surrounded with.'
Aside from her full time studies, she likes to spend time in the countryside camping and hiking and has climbed to the peak of two mountains in the Rocky's.
WIN FACTOR: 8/10
MISS AUSTRALIA: COURTNEY THORPE
AGE: 24
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Courtney has many strings to her bow as she's currently studying Mass Communications at university whilst working part time as a freelance writer and fashion stylist. She's already found success as a writer after having a children's book she penned published. She hopes to go on to write an entire series of educational children's books.
'I'm very lucky that since being crowned Miss Australia I have been able to continue my love of working with children by working with indigenous outback communities in remote Australia, especially focusing on education,' she said.
The 'obsessed and devoted' Manchester United fan loves outdoor pursuits in her native Brisbane such as wake boarding, football, horse riding, camping and boating,
WIN FACTOR: 8/10
Author: Happy as both a blonde or brunette, Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe has written a children's book
MISS USA: ELIZABETH SAFRIT
AGE: 22
Wants to make a difference: Miss USA Elizabeth Safrit holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Hailing from a small town in North Carolina, Elizabeth holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism and works as a lobbyist.
'My hometown is the epitome of 'Small Town USA'. It is a town where everyone knows one another. My family has lived in Kannapolis for generations.
'I've seen it evolve from a small mill town to a biotechnology hub. I am very proud to be from Kannapolis,' the brunette explains.
The politically minded beauty is hoping to return to education to gain a second degree in Mass Communication.
Multi-talented Elizabeth also is an accomplished ballet dancer and practices bikram yoga.
During her time as Miss United States Elizabeth has worked with the charity Save the Children and believes that: 'Everyone should find something to be passionate about.
'It is so important for leaders like Miss World to encourage the young generation to recognize their beliefs and to know that it is possible to make a difference.'
WIN FACTOR: 7/10
MISS RUSSIA: ANASTASIA KOSTENKO
AGE: 20
Strictly talented: Miss Russia Anastasia is studying journalism in Moscow but is also a professional ballet dancer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Anastasia is a student of Journalism from the town of Salsk in Rostov, eastern Russia. A highly skilled dancer, Anastasia studied to be a ballet master, and has danced in the Rostov State Theatre.
She is also talented at Latin and modern dance, and she can play the piano. Whilst dancing is one of Anastasia’s main passions, she would jump at the chance of a television career, specifically in journalism or hosting her own show.
In her spare time, Anastasia likes to practice aerobics, she is a fan of classic Russian literature,
WIN FACTOR: 7/10
MISS UGANDA: LEAH KALANGUKA
AGE: 23
Ambitious: Leah's goal is to become a powerful influential computer engineer in her country and revolutionise its agricultural industry
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Leah lives in Bugolobi Flats, a small, beautiful part of Uganda's capital Kampala.
Already a graduate with a BA in Computer Engineering, she is studying further, with the ambitions of becoming a powerful influential computer engineer in her country, with plans of developing programs which can revolutionise the agricultural industry of Uganda.
Aside from her career ambitions, Leah likes to sing and dance, and her favourite sports are volleyball and swimming.
WIN FACTOR: 7/10
MISS SOUTH SUDAN: AWIEN KUANYIN-AGOTH
Debut: Awien is representing South Sudan who are in the competition for the first time
AGE: 19
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: This is the first time South Sudan - the world's newest country - has entered the Miss World competition and Awien carries the hopes of a fledgling nation on her shoulders.
'I hope to bring a bit of taste of South Sudan to Miss World this year', Awien explains, 'my country is currently standing as the world's youngest nation. The land of the tall, dark, and smooth skinned people with a diverse culture that includes over 60 different tribes.
'South Sudanese people are bold, patriotic, hospitable, honest and hard working.'
Awien comes from a large family. Born in Khartoum, she grew up in Egpyt and the USA. She's currently in her second year studying Child Psychology, and aspires to become the most influential psychologist in her field.
Until she graduates she hopes to volunteer as much as possible to gain experience.
Volleyball and basketball are Awien’s favourite sports. She also enjoys reading and listen to hip hop music.
WIN FACTOR: 10/10
Who will win? All the contestants - the winner will be revealed on 14th December
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2852801/Who-beautiful-Meet-glamorous-girls-vying-Miss-World.html#ixzz3KPKKOvqd
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