Brits get their own toddler pageant, inspired by Toddlers and Tiaras

Oct 9, 2012 19:31 GMT  ·  By
Aloka-Romaine Liddle sports painted nails, heavy make-up and a long blond wig
2 photos
   Aloka-Romaine Liddle sports painted nails, heavy make-up and a long blond wig

The American toddler pageant fever has reached the UK, with wannabe beauty queens as young as 12 weeks old fighting for the title of Miss Mini Princess.

100 finalists battle for the crown, wishing for a chance to strut down that runway, most likely in a stroller. The competition was inspired by US reality TV show Toddlers and Tiaras.

Competitor Aloka-Romaine Liddle sports painted nails, heavy make-up and a long blond wig in an effort to grab the title. The 15 months old toddler was even given a fake tun to up her chances, The Mirror reports.

Mother Claire Walker claims her daughter craves the attention and the special treatment that goes with being a “real girly girl.”

“She’s a real girly girl. She adores having her nails done. She comes with me when I have a manicure and holds her hands out to have her nails painted. She is there with me in the morning copying as I put on make-up. Putting on make-up for a pageant isn’t any different – it’s just another way of mum-daughter bonding.”

Judges look for the best “face and beauty” and a “poised, elegant stance.” Moms also compete in providing the most “wowing outfit” for their little girls.

Despite concerns of child exploitation in beauty pageant, facilitated by lack of regulation, 10-year-old Ellie Thompson's mother Nicola leaves the decision up to her.

“She’s addicted to Toddlers and Tiaras and she’s old enough to decide for herself. And it’s been fun doing the preparations. I applied Ellie’s fake tan last night and we also put on some fake nails,” 35-year-old Nicola says.

She believes the competition provides an ideal environment for mother-daughter bonding. However, the woman from Cheshunt, Herts has given her daughter so much freedom that she wasn't even told Ellie would be joining the pageant.

“I only found out when an email popped up saying she was a finalist,” she says.

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Aloka-Romaine Liddle sports painted nails, heavy make-up and a long blond wig
Nicola Thompson is a ten-year-old contestant
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