Plymouth's new Faces
OUR two new Faces of Plymouth almost didn't take part in the city's top modelling competition.
Paul Nicholson and Hayley Morse were spotted as they walked through Drake Circus during the initial photo shoots all those months ago although it took a lot of persuading to make one of them enter.
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The-Face-of-Plymouth-2009-winners-Hayley-Morse-and-Paul-Nicholson
"A girl from GHQ stopped me and told me to enter," said 24-year-old Paul.
"I kept saying no but she just wouldn't give up."
Luckily for us our beautiful duo signed up for the competition and after wowing the judges and the audience at Friday's spectacular grand final, they are now looking forward to a year of top modelling fun.
"I can't wait to get started," said Hayley who has just finished studying for a BTEC in Performing Arts at Eggbuckland Community College, achieving two distinctions.
"There are so many experiences and opportunities out there.
"Modelling is something I have always wanted to do since I was very young."
Paul echoes drama student Hayley's sentiments, saying he hopes to bring more to the role of Face of Plymouth than just modelling.
"I've always tried to get involved in things in Plymouth and hopefully this will give me more of an opportunity to do that," said Paul who spends much of his free time coaching the under 16 and under 18 Plymouth Raiders basketball teams.
He has also volunteered with CHICKS, a charity that takes disadvantaged children on holiday in Devon and Cornwall.
"Volunteering with CHICKS was really rewarding," he said.
"Now I want to take advantage of this new opportunity in trying to help out more in Plymouth."
One of the highlights for both of our newly crowned winners was the opportunity to meet a new group of friends.
"We've all already spoken to each other on Facebook and planned a night out," said Hayley who lives in Derriford.
"And Lucy (Sings) is going to be a mate for life."
Paul was already close friends with one of the contestants, Tyrone Cole, who he has shared a house with in St Budeaux for the last few months.
"I was a bit nervous the morning after the final because I didn't want to come across as too excited, but he has been really good," said Paul, who is head of sales for Cornish Farm ice cream and frozen food company.
2009 Face of Plymouth Grand Final - winners.
2009 Face of Plymouth Grand Final - highlights, part one.
2009 Face of Plymouth Grand Final - show highlights, part two.
2009 Face of Plymouth Grand Final - Big Beat.
2009 Face of Plymouth photo shoots at Lido Pool and Grosvenor Casino.
2009 Face of Plymouth - the finalists.
The grand final was an amazing experience for Paul, Hayley and the other 18 finalists who all had friends and family cheering for them in the excited crowd.
"It was great to walk out on stage and not need to look for my supporters because I could hear them," said Hayley whose banner-waving and T-shirt wearing fans even brought a loud horn to blast every time she appeared.
"It made me feel really happy that they were there supporting me."
And after a top night of fashion-forward entertainment, it was a nervous wait before the city's favourite faces were crowned.
"I was so shocked that I forgot what my name was for a second," said Paul. "I really didn't expect to win.
"I love basketball; that is my passion and now I am hoping this will become my passion too."
2009 Face of Plymouth Grand Final at the Pavilions.
16 Comments
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by fop, plymouth
Thursday, July 23 2009, 10:21PM
“actually i know hayley very well and she is not a 'janner' at all. she wants to do drama as a profession and go to a top drama school in london, so unless you know people you shouldn't make judgements. they are both planning lots of charity work to try and improve plymouth. it isn't all about the modelling! stop being jealous. if you don't have anything nixe to say then don't say it at all.”
by JO, HARTLEY VALE
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 10:16PM
“I can't believe people are actually slating the competition, if you don't wanna read about it- DON'T! I know both hayley and paul very well and I think they are an excellent representation of our city and i'm sure they will do us all proud!! They are both lovely people with bright futures ahead of themselves!
I wish them all the best for the next year!!
Congratulations to the two of you!!”
by woop woop, Plymouth
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 4:24PM
“Engrish?? You must have felt like such a prat when you read that and realised you couldn't change it. No wonder you call yourself - lol. Is that just to let everyone know to laugh at you?”
by lol, age
Tuesday, July 21 2009, 1:06AM
“And what do they do now exactly? Stand around looking smug? I kinda get the impression they would have done that anyway...
For someone who is so up on the Engrish i'm surprised that you resorted to petty names that need blanking out like adolescent toilet wall scrawlings... Also when we start a quotation we start it with a capital letter "Like so".
If you're going to lecture on the language, please don't make such elementary mistakes whilst doing it. :D
class dismissed, take a photo of that for refrence.”
by Photographer, Peverell
Monday, July 20 2009, 11:03PM
“Mary. Is that the same laziness that has prevented you from putting an apostrophe in both the times you've written the word "its" or spell "to" correctly when you meant "too"? How could you possibly think that was worthy of a comment? And Jack - When did you manage to haul your ugly a*se out of Chelson Meadow? Do us all a favour and climb out of your own orifice and go back to your hole in the ground.”
by Ben, plymouth
Monday, July 20 2009, 10:48PM
“who cares”
by Shabiri Chaladingwa, Plymouth
Monday, July 20 2009, 4:16PM
“Where are the ethnic minorities in this competition ?”
by gb, plymouth
Monday, July 20 2009, 1:58PM
“"mouse", yes, sorry i do agree with you, fair comment. Just seems a bit trivial, i mean, beauty contests went out with the ark, but the herald is supposed to be a newspaper. If they hadnt sponsored it, perhaps it would not have got some much coverage in their paper..............
anyway, on with more important stuff................”
by Mouse, in the office
Monday, July 20 2009, 1:42PM
“MEOW!! Saucer of milk for the jealous pussies!! If you don't want to read about it..erm..don't read it..
Personally it makes a change to have something in the news that doesn't involve, killing, abuse, death, drugs etc!!!
Sad really that you are bitching about this! They aren't doing anyone any harm....”
by mary, Plympton
Monday, July 20 2009, 11:16AM
“Its not "designer stubble" its scruffy Why do they think it looks attractive ?J ust makes me think they are to lazy to shave.”