Miss England Jessica Gagen has made it to the top 40 in the Miss World final, impressing everyone with her Mary Poppins-inspired dress. Jessica, who is 27-years-old, flew to Delhi, India, for the 71st Miss World final and wore the special dress modelled after Britain's favourite governess at the start of the event.
Jessica is one of the favourites to win the whole competition and, if she does, she'll be the first Miss World from England in 41 years. Competing against 112 women from all over the world, Jessica got into the top 40 after winning a head-to-head charity round.
The contestants shared their ideas on how to make the world better, and Jessica spoke about fighting climate change and helping women get into science and engineering jobs. Miss England was one of five winners, along with contestants from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, and Botswana, and now she has a chance to win the crown on Saturday, March 9.
Read More: Picture shows 40 most memorable TV moments, how many can you see?
Jessica, who works as an aerospace engineer and comes from Skelmersdale in Lancashire, said: "I genuinely didn't expect to win the head to head, there were so many good projects and amazing speeches. I'm the only one from Europe to get through this round and I'm now in the top 40.
"I'm really enjoying the experience so far and I'm so proud to be representing England."
Puneet Bhandal, who owns a boutique in Hayes, Middlesex, and designed Jessica's dress, said: "Designing Jessica's opening ceremony costume was so much fun. As soon as I was asked to do it, I didn't hesitate. Jessica decided she wanted to recreate the outfit from Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious - the world-famous song from the classic Mary Poppins movie.
"Mary Poppins celebrates its 60th anniversary this year - what could be a better way to celebrate the iconic movie than having Jessica Gagen wearing a version of the costume on the world stage?"
"The challenge in making this outfit was how to make it a little more glam, in line with what we associate with Miss World. Jessica is a young, glamorous girl so I wanted to add some bling but I couldn't change the design too much because it had to be recognisable.
"I decided to ditch the lace collar on the neckline and instead, have a high neck with lots of tiny beaded crystals and sequins that were hand-stitched on. They helped to add shine and glamour but ensured the dress was not 'frumpy'. I then used lots of layers of tulle to create a voluminous skirt.
"Red sequins were stitched on to create the St George's Cross on the back of the dress - a nod to England. Overall, I was delighted with how Jessica looked in the gown. If they ever remake the film, I nominate Jessica to star as the leading lady."
Jessica added: "I loved the idea of going as Mary Poppins and Puneet did a fantastic job of designing the dress. Not only was it already white and red for England but the added St George's cross on the back and extra bits of sparkle made it practically perfect."
Miss England's Director, Angie Beasley, shared: "This is definitely the most glamorous recognisable outfit I have seen a Miss England wear in all the 25 plus years I've been sending British winners to Miss World."
She explained that the idea for the Mary Poppins outfit came from her sister Becky Chapman. They were discussing how traditional English national costumes at Miss World are usually not as glamorous and can't compete with the extravagant outfits worn by South American contestants.
"Previous Miss England's have worn Morris dancing outfits and even a Queen's Guards inspired outfit - definitely not very glam. "When we ran the idea by Jessica she loved it. We then spoke to Puneet who created the look perfectly."
Angie added: "I think Puneet's correct, if the Mary Poppins film is ever remade again, Jess should be the star, she fits the bill perfectly."
Earlier this week, news broke that the Mary Poppins film has had its age rating lifted to a PG due to some of its 'discriminatory language'.
The 71st Miss World will be crowned on Saturday, March 9, at the Jio Convention World Center, in Mumbai.
