HOTTEST BLOKES COMPETE
AUSTRALIA’S hottest blokes have arrived on the Gold Coast, for the country’s biggest male modelling competition.
Chiselled abs and heartbreaker smiles filled The Avenue in Surfers Paradise last night for the Manhunt national finals. The comp featured 16 finalists, among them Australia’s hottest ginger Stevie Mackay and Love Island contestant Maurice Salib.
“I think I’ve always been fairly confident and I tend to believe in myself but this is another opportunity for us to express ourselves and have fun with the opportunity,” Mr Salib said.
Coolangatta actor Riley Channells, 22, was one of four Gold Coasters to make the cut. The others are Ignacio Gimenez, 27, from Surfers Paradise, Ayhan Kirtay, 19, from Varsity Lakes, and Nathan Howe, 29, from Palm Beach.
“This is my second time here,” Mr Howe said.
“For me it’s about more exposure for my modelling and getting a bit more experience on the stage and in the limelight.”
Mr Howe featured in a XXXX beer advert and Mr Gimenez in a Suncorp TV ad with former rugby league star Johnathon Thurston.
Manhunt organiser Selina MacDonald said the competition gave blokes a chance in the spotlight.
“(Former Bachelor) Tim Robards was one of our
Manhunt winners,” she said. “It gives them some basic skills, a platform and gets their confidence up as well.
“It’s the longest male model search in the world. It has been going for about 25 years.
“But it is a dying breed. Political correctness has played a major part in pageants. Miss Supercars has gone.”
Despite the pressure, Ms MacDonald said Manhunt was here to stay.
“We aren’t governed by any large body or corporation so we’re going to continue to give these young boys experience, opportunity and a good time.”
The winner will represent Australia at the international competition in the Philippines in February.