Pictured from (L-R) Zoe Smedberg and Meagan Dunne
An actress and a gymnast have brought the number of Miss Northern Ireland finalists to a dazzling dozen.
In last week’s heat in Icon wine bar in Derry Megan Dunne carried off the Miss North West title with Zoe Smedberg as the new Miss Icon.
They’ll both be joining the battle for a successor to Miss Northern Ireland Meagan Green in the contest, backed by Open+Direct and the Sunday World.
Castlerock woman Zoe had just finished filming a short movie when she jumped into the heat and came away with a title.
She’s a creative writing and drama graduate from the University of Winchester, who’s focusing on life coaching and learning Swedish.
“My dad is Swedish and my sisters were born there but my mum came back here to have me. When I was growing up my dad spoke to me in English to improve his languages, but I wish he’d taught me Swedish now because it’s a really difficult one to learn,” says Zoe.
She’s been a budding actress since school but after it took a back seat when she was studying in England the 22 year old is now camera ready.
“All my school reports said I was a little drama; I’ve been doing it pretty much my whole life.
“I’ve got a new agent and I’m in the process of getting myself a new show reel. And pilot season is coming up in LA so you never know.”
Miss North West Megan Dunne entered the competition to work on her confidence, but she doesn’t need to work on her flexibility.
She was a gymnast for 10 years, representing Co. Derry in the Community Games, and hopes to return as a coach.
“I loved doing it and I’d like to get back into it. Gymnastics was a great experience for me and I’m hoping Miss Northern Ireland will be the same.
“I’ve never done anything like this before but I thought it would boost my confidence because I’m so shy.
“And the heat was brilliant. I didn’t think I would get anywhere and when I won all I could hear was my mum Deirdre – she was just buzzing,” says Megan.
She’s studying health and social care at North West Regional College with plans to become a social worker, although that could all change.
“It’s so hard to decide what you want to do at this age,” admits Megan.
The judging panel for the Derry heat had lots of added glamour with two former winners, Zoe Salmon and Gayle Williamson, joining forces with Andy Cameron, Melissa Currie and Elaine McDermott from Open+Direct.
The latest finalists will be back on the runway on Monday May 12 for the final at the Europa Hotel in Belfast when a shot at Miss World in London will be up for grabs.
The cache of prizes also includes a wardrobe of designer dresses from Blush Boutique in Belfast, a Kia Car from Downey’s, a modelling contract with ACA, a year’s membership of the Culloden Spa and a cosmetics hamper from Paddy McGurgan’s Make Up Pro store in Belfast.
Next week we’ll have the winners from the March 28 heat in McAleer’s in Dungannon.
For details of how to enter and competition rules go to www.missnorthernireland.co.uk