Top model Holly Carpenter has responded to Miss Ireland axing its controversial swimwear round, admitting that when she took part while competing in the beauty pageant she felt uncomfortable.
The stunning brunette has opened up about what it was like to do a bikini photocall for the contest, and how delighted she is that it will no longer feature for future contestants – for the first time in 63 years. According to Holly, it’s about time.
“There will always be people who’ll speak badly of the whole competition, so if there’s one less thing for people to target then great,” she said. “I remember one of those massive group photo calls where we were all in our bikinis walking down the street, and that was the only time I’ve done a bikini photo call in my life.
“I just felt really strange with cars driving by and I don’t think that kind of thing is necessary. After that, I was like, “I’m not doing this again”.”
She continued: “All the girls talk about the courses they’re doing in college, their families, all of the things you want to know about them, and then there’s a picture of them standing in the street in a bikini – it doesn’t even have anything to do with it.
“It’s less pressure because a lot of them are young. A talent section would be good because there’s one in Miss World.”
The 23-year-old, who was crowned Miss Ireland in 2011, also gave her best tips on how to follow in her footsteps.
“I think you have to be consistent. I know the whole “Be yourself” thing is so clichéd, but if you’re yourself the whole through that’s how you’ll build a career,” she told Evoke.ie
“I’m the same person I was then but if you’re trying to be one way in your interviews and then acting another way behind the scenes it doesn’t work.”
