The final of the Miss World competition has been cancelled after dozens of beauty queens were struck down with Covid-19.
The prestigious beauty pageant was due to take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Thursday, presented by Peter Andre.
But just hours before the 70th final was due to begin organisers announced it was to be postponed after 23 of the 97 contestants tested positive for coronavirus.
Miss England Rehema Muthamia, 25, said she was devastated by the news having reached the top 30 of the final.
The final of the Miss World competition has been cancelled after dozens of beauty queens were struck down with Covid-19. Miss England Rehema Muthamia (pictured), 25, said she was devastated by the news having reached the top 30 of the final.
Rehema, from north west London, said: ‘We are all devastated to have come this far. We had the most amazing final show rehearsed for the 70th Miss World.
‘For this to happen on the day of the event was a shock to us all. But safety must come first.
‘I’ve already had the most incredible opportunity to take part and I’m grateful to have had the chance to make friends from all over the world.
‘I’ve also had a wonderful experience in Puerto Rico.
‘I’m just hoping my boss will allow me to have more time off to participate and return in the next 90 days as I’ve already taken over six weeks off work and taken all my leave.’
Angie Beasley, director of Miss England flew out to support Rehema, who had spent the last month in Puerto Rico practicing for the final.
Rehema, from north west London, said: ‘We are all devastated to have come this far. We had the most amazing final show rehearsed for the 70th Miss World’. She is pictured with Miss Ireland Pamela Uba
Rahema had already reached the top 30 in the Miss World contest after being chosen as one of the top six Beauty with a Purpose Charity winners.
Angie added: ‘We feel so disappointed for the contestants after so much effort and preparation.
‘I know Rehema’s family arrived two days ago and were so looking forward to seeing her have her special moment on stage.
‘As travellers need to show proof of double vaccination and proof of their PCR test before travelling, I was sure it was relatively safe to travel.
‘Lots of other international events have taken part safely. It’s the first time I’ve personally travelled anywhere for three years.
‘It just goes to show Covid will find a way of getting in, even in the most safe environments.
‘I heard everyone at Miss World where being tested daily and had been wearing masks.
Rehema Muthamia, 25, was crowned Miss England in a glittering ceremony in Coventry in August
‘My thoughts are with those who now have to isolate here and can’t travel home for Christmas.
‘I sincerely hope the Miss World organisers and contestants affected will recover and are able to travel home safely very soon.’
Miss World said the contest was cancelled for the health and safety of the contestants and will be rearranged and held within the next 90 days.
Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World, added: ‘After meeting with the virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event and discussing with the Puerto Rico Health Department, the decision has been made by the organizers of the event to postpone the globally broadcast finale at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days.
Rahema had already reached the top 30 in the Miss World contest after being chosen as one of the top six Beauty with a Purpose Charity winners.
‘As of yesterday, additional safety measures were implemented in the best interest of the contestants, production team and spectators, understanding the event increased risks on the stage and in the dressing room.
‘However, after additional positive cases were confirmed this morning after consulting with health officials and experts, the postponement decision was made.
‘The next step according to the medical experts is immediate quarantine, pending observation and further testing according to best practices in situations like this.
‘Once and only when contestants and staff are cleared by health officials and advisors, will contestants and related staff return to their home countries.
‘We are very much looking forward to the return of our contestants, who we have grown to know and love, to compete for the Miss World crown.’