Mr England organisers fear a ‘hunk shortage’ after just seven men found

Mr England organisers have declared a potential “hunk shortage” after just seven men have been chosen for this year’s competition, prompting a fresh search for contestants ahead of next month’s final.

The annual contest is looking for men aged between 17 and 27 to compete for the chance to represent England internationally and ultimately progress towards the Mr World competition. Organisers say they have so far selected just seven contestants, but are hoping to have 12 finalists.

Contest organiser Angie Beasley said single men had been “shy and slow” to put themselves forward since the search for competitors launched in July.

Women are being asked to nominate men

In an effort to boost numbers, current Miss England semi-finalists are now being asked to nominate their friends and boyfriends for the male competition.

Beasley suggested that the disparity could partly be down to female beauty pageants being more widely known, advertised and accepted than their male counterparts.

“The opportunities and rewards are the same,” she said, adding that contestants would have the chance to represent England internationally and potentially travel as part of the competition.

The Mr England final is due to take place at Melton Theatre in Leicestershire on October 11, with the winner receiving the opportunity to go on and represent England at Mr World, an international competition that brings together national titleholders from multiple countries.

What does it take to become Mr England?

According to organisers, applicants should be single, confident, sporty, good-looking, charitable and charismatic.

Contestants do not have to be professional athletes or “exceptionally fit”, although there is a sports round as part of the competition. Good looks and charisma are also listed among the requirements.

The winner will have the opportunity to represent England internationally and is also set to receive a trip to model for Envoy London at its 75th Anniversary fashion show in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in November.

Men aged 17 to 27 who meet the entry criteria can apply online, with organisers asking prospective contestants to submit a photograph along with their height and occupation via the Mr England Instagram account or through the Miss England app.

This isn’t the first ‘Hunk Shortage’

This isn’t the first time Mr England has struggled to attract enough contestants.

Two years ago in 2024, then-Miss England Milla Magee took matters into her own hands, heading to a beach in Newquay in search of “handsome men” to enter the competition.

The campaign reportedly resulted in more than 100 men entering, including King’s Guard soldier Manuel Alcantara Turner, who went on to win the title.

Another previous finalist, Nathaniel Cranton, has since gone on to become a WWE wrestler after previously working as a sheep farmer in Dorset.