Britain’s most glamorous mum and daughter make history by reaching Miss England finals — 39 years apart
BRITAIN’S most glamorous mum and daughter have made history by reaching the Miss England finals — 39 years apart.
Tabitha Bennett, 20, was crowned Miss Lancashire last week to reach the beauty pageant’s national final after her mum Vicky, 60, did the same back in 1986.
The pair are the first mother and daughter to both reach the Miss England finals in the contest’s 97-year history.
While Vicky made the top 15 almost four decades ago, Tabitha is hoping to go one better to take the crown and the chance to become the next Miss World.
Tabitha, of Knutsford, Cheshire, said: “My mum had always encouraged me to enter pageants and one day I just thought why not.
“I won Miss Cheshire in my first ever competition, which got me through to the Miss Great Britain final, where I won the public vote.
“Then I won Miss Blackpool, which is an independent event, and that was very special because my mum also won it back in 1984.
“But Miss England is the ultimate goal for everyone. It’s the most exciting thing as you could become Miss World.
“I was really shocked to win Miss Lancashire, it’s been quite a ride as its a hattrick of pageants and I only started doing them last August.
“I’ve made so many amazing friends already and it’s really good fun.
“I don’t put any pressure on myself and I just go out there and enjoy it.
“I feel really proud. To win a big one like Miss England would be incredible.”
Back in the 1980s, Vicky even competed alongside current Miss England director Angie Beasley in competitions up and down the country.
Vicky said: “When she’s out there, she just transforms into a different girl – she’s so relaxed and laid back but you can see she’s out there to win it.
“It does make you proud to see her out there doing the same as I was.
“I’m a bit pathetic if I’m honest, I cried when she was in the choir so you can only imagine what this has been like for me.
“I have seen her confidence grow each time. This time she absolutely blew it out of the water.
“When she walked onto the stage, we all said: ‘Wow!’ She was spectacular. It is a massive achievement.
“These girls are making a difference. It is about women empowering women.
“They all support each other and go on to do really good things for charities and good causes.”