Yahoo News Whitley Bay soldier who serves as a Kings Guard is the new Mr England for 2024
A soldier from Whitley Bay who serves in the British Army as a Kings Guard, has won the title of the new Mr England 2024.
Manuel Alcantara Turner, 22, who is now based at Victoria Barracks near Windsor Castle, serves as a lance corporal with the Coldstream Guards, and attended both the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral, and the King's coronation.
Manuel's success comes after beating over 150 other applications from a national search to the top spot, which was then whittled down to a shortlisted final 12 contenders.
Manuel - who had never entered a contest like Mr England before - was crowned winner at a ceremony which took place at The City Rooms in Leicester on Tuesday. He now has the chance to compete for the title of Mr World.
Talking of his delight over the win, Manuel said: "It’s an absolute honour to win this. I will represent my country well and hopefully make everyone proud," Manuel said. “I have been based out of Windsor with the British Army since I was 16, but I’m originally from Newcastle.
"Since being in the King's Guard, I’ve been on ceremonial duties for the King’s Coronation and the Queen’s funeral, as well as the Queen’s last birthday parade. In terms of actual soldiering, I’ve been deployed twice to Kenya and have been training Ukrainians," he added.
All 12 finalists competed in an interview, fashion shoot and a catwalk, modelling top hat and tails from Scotney's of London Road.
Event organiser Angie Beasley anticipated Mr England 2024 would be a 'tough competition'. Angie, former model and beauty queen, has organised hundreds of regional and national competitions on behalf of Miss and Mr World since 1988, including Miss England 2019 held in Newcastle.
Mr England is not a body building contest but having a good physique and interest in sport does help. Instead the competition describes itself as a search for men who have a great personality, are charitable, well educated and are keen on getting involved with further charity events and able to represent their country well at national and international events such as Mr World.
Miss England 2024, lifeguard Milla Magee was also in attendance as Manuel was crowned winner, and hosted the catwalk show style contest. Posting on her Instagram account, Milla said: "Each finalist worked so hard to get to the Top 12. However, there can only be ONE WINNER. I am so excited for your journey to @mrworld.official and will be by your side every step of the way. There is no one more perfect to fit this role, and I know you will do us all proud, as you already are for our country."
Manuel will now go on to represent the country, and compete for the coveted Mr World title in Vietnam this November. The current reigning Mr World is Jack Heslewood, also from England, who won in 2019.
