Miss England Grace Richardson is preparing for the biggest performance of her life as she flies to Vietnam this week to represent England at the 75th Miss World Festival.
The Leicester performer, who recently graduated in Performing Arts from LCPA Leicester, hopes to impress judges in the prestigious Miss World Talent competition by showcasing her singing and dancing. Grace has long dreamed of a career on the West End stage and sees Miss World as an important step towards achieving that ambition.
Grace won the Miss England title by the narrowest of margins, securing victory by just one point after performing Never Enough from The Greatest Showman during the national talent final. Since then, she has entertained audiences at schools, colleges, the Royal Thai Embassy and London’s iconic Dorchester Hotel.
“I dream of performing on the West End stage or becoming a dancer on a cruise ship,” said Grace. “Miss World gives me an incredible opportunity to showcase my talent on the world stage and I can’t wait to represent England in Vietnam.”
Ahead of her departure, Grace completed one final fashion photoshoot wearing a stunning sustainable red creation by Paris designer Pietu Couture, whom she previously modelled for during Paris Fashion Week. The shoot, photographed by award-winning photographer Stu Williamson at Boss Studios in Leicester, marked the final stage of her Miss World preparations Midlands make-up artist Maya Wilkinson stepped in at the last minute to join the photoshoot, creating a flawless and elegant look for Grace.
Grace has also undergone a remarkable confidence journey by overcoming a lifelong fear of the dentist with the help of Dr Sonal Mandalia at S Dental & Aesthetics in Kibworth.
“Grace has been an absolute pleasure to work with,” said Dr Mandalia. “We created a bespoke treatment plan to prepare her smile for Miss World, and despite her dental anxiety she embraced every stage of the process. Watching her confidence grow has been wonderful, and everyone at S Dental wishes her every success in Vietnam.”
Grace added: “I used to be terrified of going to the dentist, but Sonal made me feel completely at ease. I actually began looking forward to my appointments and I’m absolutely delighted with the results.”
Sustainability remains central to Grace’s Miss World preparations. Her Beauty with a Purpose project, Every Drop Counts, promotes water conservation and recycling. Many of the outfits she will wear throughout the month-long festival have been created using sustainable fabrics, recycled materials or have been kindly loaned. Her main designer gown, handcrafted by Thierry Pietu of Pietu Couture, has been made using partially recycled materials to reflect the environmental message behind her campaign.
Miss England Director Angie Beasley said: “It has been important to Grace that her wardrobe reflects the values of her Beauty with a Purpose project. Sustainability has been considered throughout her preparation, from recycled couture fabrics to loaned costumes.”
Grace is travelling to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines, the official travel partner for Miss England’s Miss World journey. Following her return, she will perform at the Miss England Semi Final before crowning her successor at the Miss England Grand Final at Athena, Leicester, on 17 November 2026.
To follow Grace’s journey at the 75th Miss World Festival, visit www.missworld.com