How Doncaster schoolgirl Ellie Powell is set to follow in the footsteps of reality TV star Molly-Mae Hague

Ellie, from Branton is set to take part in the Miss Teen GB final in Blackpool later this year, after judges decided she was one of the outstanding candidates for the pageant, in which the celebrity who made her name on Love Island is a former finalist.

Ellie, aged 15, a pupil at McAuley School, will head to the final at the Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, representing Doncaster.

She is a finalist in the Miss Junior Teen Great Britain, for 13 to 15 year-olds, in a contest organisers described as a platform to celebrate teenagers, their achievements and their goals.

If she wins, she could pick up a £500 prize and a modelling job – but first she has to take part in a catwalk session, and be interviewed by the judges.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to it, but I have to admit I’m a bit nervous.”

Ellie came home from one day and announced to her mum that she had entered the contest. And mum Laura was amazed when it turned out that she had been accepted!

Laura said: “I just said all right, and thought nothing of it – then she got a message to say she’d got through. I think she’s beautiful, but it was a surprise that she had made it through."

Since then, Ellie has raised money for the charity Together for Short Lives, through sponsored exercise sessions, which is part of the contest.

"It’s the first time Ellie's entered anything like this, but apparently Molly Mae out of Love Island has been in the final in the past, and she’s done very well, so maybe it will open doors."

In the past, Ellie has worked at a salon, Tranquility in Bentley, in her holidays, and likes doing make up and nails.

The family hoped to go to the final with her grandparents and uncles and aunts, but social distancing means only Ellie and her parents can go.

She is appealing for a boutique to sponsor her with a dress for the final. Call Laura on 07860 365620.

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