Irish Miss World contestant Jessica Hayes has backed the decision to scrap the pageant’s swimsuit competition.
Organisers have banned the bikini round after 63 years, declaring it “doesn’t do anything for the woman.”
It previously helped Rosanna Davison go on to win the Miss World crown in 2003, after coming first initially in the “beach beauty” round.
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But Miss Ireland Jessica Hayes, who competed in the “beach fashion” event while representing Ireland recently in Miss World, said the bikinis won’t be missed.
She added: “I don’t think it makes much of a difference at this stage. For the last decade that segment of the contest has been about beach fashion.
“So you can wear a bikini, a one-piece or a dress, whatever you like. It’s a fashion show and it’s great fun. I wore a one-piece and I felt great.
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“I think everyone there was pretty relaxed about it too. They realise the competition isn’t all about looks.”
Miss World boss Julia Morley, whose husband Eric founded the event, was behind the decision to end the round.
She said: “I don’t need to see women just walking up and down in bikinis. It doesn’t do anything for the woman. And it doesn’t do anything for any of us. We are really listening to her speak.”
Initially the pageant was called the Festival Bikini Contest from its launch in 1951 before being renamed Miss World.
