I’d bring back the bikini competition
Miss Universe judge Alannah claims it’s about strength and independence
FORMER Miss Ireland Alannah Beirne has narrowly missed out on being Ireland’s first Sports Illustrated model.
But the 24-year-old has a new mission – to bring the bikini back to the Miss Universe competition.
While the swimsuit round has been dropped from Miss Universe International, the Irish competition which Alannah will be judging still features bikinis.
She told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘Bring it back, that’s what I say. That is part of why people love Miss Universe and I think that getting rid of it defeats the whole idea of female empowerment. We are forever telling women to be strong and independent and it takes confidence and strength to walk out in a bikini in front of thousands of people.’
The Kildare-born model, who competed in last year’s Dancing With The Stars on RTÉ, has just flown back from Miami where she was in contention for a spot in Sports Illustrated Magazine.
Alannah said that her go-getter attitude propelled her to seek a spread in the magazine. After seeing the first-ever open casting call for models, she flew from Italy to Miami when she heard she was on the shortlist.
‘In Miami I walked thousands of steps every day. I did a detox for a few days before I shot the video,’ she said.
She also went through three days of interviews in the Florida city.
‘They like to get to know the person behind the bikini,’ she said.
‘It was so warm over there, my make-up was melting off my face and my fake tan was running on my white dress,’ she laughed.
While she is disappointed at missing a chance to appear in the magazine, Alannah has something else to smile about – a new romance with Wales-based rugby star Steven Cummins.
The MoS has learned that the pair have just enjoyed their first romantic holiday together.