Katharine’s account of her hectic, but enjoyable, first five days in China

Day 1

Arrived in Sanya after a 12.5 hour flight to Hong Kong and a two-hour flight to the island of Hainan. It was a nice surprise that I was sitting beside Miss Ireland on the way to Hong Kong and have her company.

In Hong Kong you could spot who the Miss World contestants were because of how glam they were, even after all the travelling. We arrived in Sanya at about noon and met with more contestants. We were then taken to our rooms. The resort is absolutely huge and stunning.

We have a beautiful view of the resort from the pool. It’s very, very warm, a pleasant change from the weather I left at home. We settled into the hotel and, to be honest, I slept most of the day.

I set alarms, but the jet lag and the fact I’d flown after four night duties in the hospital meant that I slept right through them.

Day2

I got up and had breakfast with Miss Ireland, Miss Philippines and Miss Germany. I also met the other UK girls. We are all in the blue team, so it was a good thing I brought blue lipstick with me. This is not a usual shade I’d pick, but something told me to pack it.

We relaxed around the hotel, went to the pool, and mingled with other girls who arrived throughout the day. It’s so funny in the hotel as we are like celebrities, always having our picture taken by other hotel guests.

Day3

Today we filmed short introduction videos for the Miss World website. The hair and make-up teams had a tough job because all of our make-up was melting in the heat and hairspray was no match for the weather.

We then had auditions for Dances of the World. Last year’s winner, Anna

Henry, taught me a simple Irish dance routine, which we put together to a remixed Game of Thrones soundtrack. This was because my costume design was inspired by Game of Thrones and Celtic fairytales.

We then had an impromptu interview with the Chinese media. Such a whirlwind of a day, but I’m loving every minute of it.

Day 4

Today we went to a beach and got picked at random into our headto-head challenge groups. This is where we sit on a panel with our fellow contestants and answer questions. My name was one of the last to be called. I was put in group 17 with Malta, Spain, Aruba, Mexico and Russia. Quite a tough group. Hopefully I get good questions!

Day 5

Today we started into rehearsals. I can’t detail any of the songs or routines because it’s a surprise, but the opening dance is just really spectacular. I’m in the front row as well, so be sure to look out for me.

Rehearsals went on all day, but it was great to mix with different groups of people during it.