Backstage antics: amongst the madness at Miss Rochdale 2009

Reporter: Aisha Iqbal
Date online: 21 November 2009

Backstage, it is easy to overlook the Miss Rochdale finalists at first glance. The girls sit on the floor, some in pyjamas with rollers in their hair. They swap make-up tips, joking about one another's hair, seemingly not plagued by nervousness and concealing any rivalry. It’s only as I begin to interview the girls that their nerves begin to show.

It is surprising to learn that they all entered with no expectations to get through to the finals.

Emma Hyde said: “My friend entered me as a joke”. 24-year-old Kelly Michelle Brophy said she was “dead chuffed. I didn't expect to get through because you don't know who is going to vote for you”. Frankie Whitworth added, “it just doesn't register at first, getting through, but it's so exciting”.

Alex Hughes, a former Miss Manchester finalist, said she was more nervous about Miss Rochdale than she was at Miss Manchester. “I've done Miss Manchester before, but I'm more nervous doing this. Miss Manchester is a bigger event and you're not as nervous because you can't see anyone with all the blinding lights”. Amateur model, Josie-Beth Lewis, added, “When you're modelling, it’s just you, a couple of people and the camera. There are going to be so many people here watching, it makes you feel nervous”.

I ask the girls if there have been any clothing disasters or mishaps so far. Littleborough dancer, Miss Lewis exclaims: “Oh, I've already had a clothing disaster, I had to go out and buy a brand new dress because the one I had was too big. Then I had to get matching shoes and things.” Leanne Kershaw added, “I bought three dresses, I couldn't decide, I literally only decided at 4'o'clock today”.

It is 7.00pm, the Miss Rochdale finalists sit, sipping drinks and chat amongst themselves. There is a nervous, but contagious excitement in the air, when there is a sudden outcry for nail-glue from Claire Nicholson: “I've just broken my necklace, it was in the bottom of the bag. I'm trying to fix it now with some nail glue. I really hope this works.” Miss Nicholson successfully averted disaster.

Behind the mist of hairspray the girls begin to prepare for their big night. The Miss Rochdale finalists are surprisingly friendly with a good, supportive attitude. They compare outfits and seek advice and reassurance from one another as well as quizzing one another on false eyelashes, and comparing make-up and hair products.

As time draws on, the contestant’s nerves begin to show. The room begins to quieten as last minute touch-ups, readjustments and anticipation of the event sets in.

The waiting has evidently taken its toll as Josie exclaims: “I'm sick of doing my hair, it keeps falling. I think I'm going to have to stay still”. The girls want to go out and showcase themselves, as Miss Brophy of Milnrow states: “I think we are all ready to go on stage now”.

The final ten stand in running order, beyond the double doors they can see the crowd and emotions are running high as the girls talk amongst themselves. A tense Louise Tierney says “I think I'm going to faint” while a lively Frankie Whitworth says through a wide smile: “I'm well excited now”. Miss Kershaw voices her concern: “I'm worried about what to say, but it'll come out, hopefully”. Former Miss Manchester entrant is at hand to give positive advice, “you just need to be yourself”.

The girls rush back to change into swimwear and complete their second round. “It was better second time round, I didn't fall over!” a relieved Josie-Beth quickly tells me during her first round she almost fell over a chair. The majority of girls said they felt a lot more confident in the second round, despite being in swimwear, including Miss Brophy who thought that she would never do it.

The girls find out the winner for Miss Rochdale 2009 is Frankie Whitworth. Backstage, the unsuccessful finalists praise Miss Whitworth, and there is no jealousy despite the obvious disappointment. Alex Hughes said: “Frankie deserved it”, while Vicki Walker added “yeah, she's so genuine, and such a lovely person.”

Talking to Miss Rochdale 2009, Frankie Whitworth, as the other finalists head out into Rochdale for the night, she commented: “It is unbelievable. I had someone else's name in my head, and then they said Frankie. You get this massive adrenaline rush while you’re waiting, I can't describe it.

“It’s been a really good experience, made loads of new friends. I want to say a massive well done to the all the girls, because we've all done really well.”