Former magician's assistant is crowned Miss Staffordshire

By [pcorrigan]

EMMA Machin may be used to being sawn in half on stage, but is hoping things don't fall apart when she makes her bid for the Miss England crown.

The 19-year-old former magician's assistant has just been named Miss Staffordshire 2009, which secures her a place at the Miss England semi-final pageant being held in Leicestershire next Monday.

Emma, who has appeared as an extra in TV shows such as Shameless and Britannia High in the past, hopes her success in the competition will help kickstart her modelling career.

At 4ft 11ins tall, Emma does not have the height of many aspiring models, but her supporters believe she has the looks and talent to go all the way.

Emma, who lives with her family in Shrewsbury Drive, Chesterton, said: "I didn't think I'd get this far, I couldn't believe it when they said I'd won.

"I've found it difficult to get into modelling because of my height, and a lot of agencies have turned me down. But with Miss England you don't have to be a certain height to enter, so I'm glad I've been given a chance.

"Going into the competition I was quite confident. And as it went on, I thought maybe I could do it."

Emma, who runs her own nail and beauty business, has been involved in performing arts since she was three, when she started dance classes.

And three years ago, she started working as an assistant to stage magician Andrew Van Buren, performing with him at Blackpool Tower Circus and on a national tour.

Appearing on stage should therefore not be too nerve-wracking for the former Trentham High School pupil, although her main concern at the moment is what she is going to wear.

Emma added: "Because Miss England is going green this year, I have to get an eco-friendly dress for the competition. It has to be either from a charity shop, or handed down, or made out of recycled materials, like milk bottle tops or something like that.

"I'm struggling to find something at the moment. Because I'm short and petite, finding any dress can be a bit of a task."

A total of 20 women entered Miss Staffordshire, with the public voting for the top 10 and a judging panel, including reigning Miss England Laura Coleman, deciding the overall winner.

The semi-final, in Ashby de la Zouch, will see 60 regional heat winners compete for 12 places available at the grand final of Miss England, which will be held in London next month.

Emma's supporters believe she should have a good chance of making it to the final.

Boyfriend Lee Baldo, who stands at 5ft 9ins, said: "I'm really proud of Emma, I always knew she could do it."

The 22-year-old, of Trentfields Road, Baddeley Green, added: I think she has the right face for it."

Mum Jeanette Machin, aged 42, said: "I think Emma is still a bit shocked that she has won Miss Staffordshire. She was convinced the other girls had won.

"I am very proud of her. She had always wanted to be a model and I don't think she's too worried about her height.

"If they want her, they want her – they don't all have to be very tall."

The semi-final of Miss England will be decided partially through a public phone vote.

To vote for Emma, text EMMA MACHIN to 84205 or call 0901 656 1599 and key in 34.

All votes costs 60p plus standard network charge if voting by mobile, and voting ends on Monday, June 8.