Just months after Suchata Chuangsri made history as the first Thai woman crowned Miss World, attention is already turning toward the next potential superstar of the pageant world.
While the 2026 Miss World host country and venue have yet to be confirmed, excitement is building, and contestants are already stepping into the spotlight, including one familiar name from England.
Afton McKeith, 24, daughter of TV presenter and nutritionist Gillian McKeith, has been named as Miss England’s first semi-finalist.
She is determined to bring the crown back to England for the first time since 1983.
With 28 competitors already announced—including Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland—McKeith will face tough competition when the Miss England semi-final kicks off on October 3 at Wolverhampton Grand Station.
Health, Wellness, and a Mission Beyond Beauty
McKeith isn’t just focused on beauty; she’s passionate about health and wellness.
A qualified movement coach, yoga instructor, and trained dancer, she has launched the spinal health campaign Save My Back, along with its Made To Move initiative.
Her campaign encourages people to improve posture, reduce back pain, and boost mental health by dancing for ten minutes, three times a day.
“As a movement and mobility coach, I’ve seen firsthand how posture impacts your physical health and confidence,” McKeith told the Daily Mail.
“When you stand tall and pain free, you’re unstoppable, and that’s the energy I want to bring to Miss England.”
Taking the Message to Schools
McKeith is committed to spreading her wellness message at the grassroots level, hosting workshops in schools across the country.
She is also leading by example with her competition photos.
In the Bare Face round, she models a nude string bikini without makeup, emphasizing self-confidence and body positivity.
“I’ve chosen to submit photos in a nude bikini to celebrate the natural body and face,” she explained.
“It’s about embracing who we are, being fearless, and inspiring others to feel comfortable in their own skin and be their healthiest selves.”
Dancing and Fitness as a Way of Life
Fitness and dance are central to McKeith’s lifestyle.
Shot against the dramatic backdrop of the Spanish coastline, her athletic poses highlight the results of years of dance training and rigorous exercise.
“My favorite form of fitness is dancing—it’s a way of life for us,” she said.
“I also have a passion for nutrition and health, which I inherited from my mum.
I’ve trained in health and fitness, earning 20 qualifications in the field, because I truly believe health is the most important aspect of life.”
Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps
Gillian McKeith, Afton’s mother, became a household name as the holistic nutritionist on You Are What You Eat, known for her unique approach to diagnosing body issues.
While Afton is carving her own path, she shares her mother’s dedication to health and wellness and aims to inspire a broader audience.
“For me, this journey is about so much more than a crown,” she said.
“Miss England gives me a platform to share a message of health, confidence, and purpose with people across the UK and beyond.”
Eyes on Miss World
With the semi-final fast approaching, McKeith is poised to make her mark not only in the pageant world but also as an ambassador for health and wellness.
If she succeeds, the Miss World stage could become the next platform where her passion inspires women globally.