A North East beauty pageant is heating up as contestants compete for the chance to represent the region on the national stage and take a step closer to the Miss World competition.
The Miss Newcastle 2026 competition is now in full swing, with several contestants already securing places in the grand final, which leads to the Miss England final and the possibility of competing at Miss World in Tanzania.
This year, three winners will be crowned at the final: Miss Newcastle, Miss Durham, and Miss Northumberland.
All three will go on to represent the North East at the national Miss England final.
Lauren Hanlon
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Lauren Hanlon currently leads the competition, having won the Elite Smile Studio Award, the overall public vote, and the Miss Talent round.
Miss Newcastle 2026 said: "Lauren, who is autistic, has shared how singing helps her manage anxiety and express herself. Her advocacy focuses on anxiety and depression, with her message: ‘There is always another chapter worth fighting for.’"
The competition is supported by Elite Smile Studio in Gosforth, which welcomed contestants for professional dental check-ups and selected 10 semi-finalists for the public vote.
Lucy Hewitt
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Lucy Hewitt, a 23-year-old nuclear project manager, has also secured her place in the final after winning the Miss Photogenic heat sponsored by Anfice Photography.
Miss Newcastle 2026 said: "Lucy has been performing since the age of three and has competed nationally in modern, tap, ballet, jazz and lyrical dance.
"She has proved a strong all-round contender, also placing second in the public vote, second in the Tiny Lives Charity Heat and third in Miss Talent, where she showcased her dance skills."
Alannah Shadlock
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Alannah Shadlock earned her spot in the final by winning the Caelian House Skin Care Round, a digital challenge sponsored by Miss Newcastle’s official aesthetics partner, Caelian House.
Miss Newcastle 2026 said: "Alannah’s thoughtfully edited video and informative caption impressed the judges and earned her the title and a sponsored place in the Grand Final."
The competition also featured a fitness round held at the Angel of the North, sponsored by Carson Elite Fitness.
Elite Smile Studio with Drnitam Narkhede
(Image: Supplied)
Amelia Laidlaw and Tierney Cranmer were named joint winners and have secured their places in the final.
The grand final will take place at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
This year marks a special milestone, as it is the only official Miss England heat for the North East, and all three winners will advance to the national final.
The Boiler Shop, a historic venue once part of the Robert Stephenson & Co. Locomotive Works, will host 20 finalists competing for the three regional crowns.
Miss Newcastle 2026 contestants are competing for a place in the grand final, with the winner progressing to Miss England and potentially representing the UK at the Miss World competition in Tanzania.
(Image: Supplied)
The competition arrives at a time of international celebration, with the Miss World organisation currently marking its 75th anniversary in Vietnam.
Reigning Miss England, Grace Richardson from Leicester, is representing England at the Miss World Festival in Vietnam.
A spokesman for Miss Newcastle 2026 said: "For three of this year’s North East finalists, the Grand Final could be the first step on a journey from the North East to Miss England – and potentially the Miss World stage."
Tickets for the Miss Newcastle Grand Final are available through the official website at www.missnewcastle.co.uk.
Miss Newcastle 2026 contestants are competing for a place in the grand final, with the winner progressing to Miss England and potentially representing the UK at the Miss World competition in Tanzania.
(Image: Supplied)