Sometimes when things aren't going your way or you are lacking confidence, the right pair of shoes or a brand new outfit can be just enough to change your mood - that's probably the reason why I started modelling. My first modelling competition was maybe four years ago at the Waterside when I only got through to the final 20. Then I did the same model search at the end of 2004 and won. I then was offered a place at Sandra Reynolds casting and modelling agency. Then in 2005, my mum sent my picture to the Miss Lincolnshire competition and I was called back to Dogma to have my picture taken. Twenty girls were then picked and were featured in the Lincolnshire Echo. I was one of them, and at the beginning of August 2005 I was called to the local newspaper's offices and was given the title Miss Lincolnshire 2005. I was so surprised and so so happy. Miss England Getting organised to go to Liverpool for the Miss England final was really exciting because I had to get clothes sponsors. Thanks to a number of local sponsors, I had all the outfits I needed. Before I set off for Liverpool, I had BBC Look North following me around for the day showing my last preparations which was really different. It was a hot day and we were all running around trying to get to all my beauty appointments and collecting my evening gown. It wasn't very glamorous but thanks to Hannah (the presenter) and the camera man, they made me look very chilled! I also got to appear on a calendar with four other Miss England contestants. Finally I set off to Liverpool with all my luggage and met all the other contestants who were all very stunning, and we were then rushed off to the Liverpool Olympia to start rehearsing. The first night was the talent contest. As I have been dancing for nearly five years, this was my talent. I got off to a slow start because the DJ put the wrong music on, but after that it was all great. The second night was the actual show and we had to parade down the catwalk in sports wear and our ball gowns, which made me feel very lady like!! They then announced the awards and I was presented with best eveningwear and the Miss England title went to Hammasa Kohistani (Miss Maya). It was a once in a lifetime experience and I enjoyed every minute of it and made a really good friend who I still keep in touch with, Claire Bones (Miss London City) and I'm sure all the girls agree that we were looked after very well. Ever since being crowned Miss Lincolnshire, I have been to many different events and openings which have all been a pleasure to attend. *Emily Okelo came into Radio Lincolnshire to speak to Melvyn Prior about Miss Lincolnshire, Miss England and being part of the fictitious Celebrity Big Brother group Kandyfloss - Find out more here>
'I Want It Right Now' > Kandyfloss and Celebrity Big Brother  | | Emily (2nd from R) singing in Kandyfloss |
Since the Miss England competition I recently entered another one and won. But this competition was slightly different to the modelling and beauty competitions. It was to sing with Chantelle Houghton (winner of Celebrity Big Brother) and four other winners as part of the fictional group Kandyfloss. I was really excited as I would get the chance to perform in the Big Brother house in front of all the celebs. It was a great weekend. We were all treated as celebrities and were driven around in cars with tinted windows and everything was paid for by Channel 4. I also got to meet all the housemates and they were all normal and down to earth. It was great fun rehearsing in the CBBLB studios and meeting Dermot O'Leary who in real life is just as crazy as he is on screen. All the girls were great, we all got on surprisingly well and we all keep in touch. We were all also offered a shoot for the Daily Sport which we turned down. I feel really privileged to have had the chance to do all the things that I have done in my life so far, and hopefully I'll be doing a lot more so watch this space! | 
