The Mr England competition is facing an unexpected challenge this year, as organisers report a significant shortage of entrants for the biennial male beauty pageant. Despite the search officially launching over the summer, only seven men have registered to participate, a figure that mirrors a similar low turnout recorded two years ago.

The contest, which seeks well-built, handsome men typically aged 17 to 22, appears to be struggling to attract participants nationwide. Organisers attribute the low numbers to a general reluctance among men to join a competition focused primarily on physical appearance. This contrasts sharply with the Miss England event, run by the same team, which routinely draws thousands of contestants annually.

In response to the previous shortage in 2021, organisers enlisted the reigning Miss England, lifeguard Milla Magee, to promote Mr England at a local beach in Newquay. This campaign successfully bolstered registrations by approximately 100 male entrants through increased public visibility. For the current contest, the strategy has shifted to encouraging Miss England semi-finalists to nominate their friends and partners as potential contestants.

The 2023 winner will be crowned on 11 October in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. While the timing of the recruitment push appears late in the calendar, organisers maintain that the lack of advance interest has been difficult to predict, especially after experiencing a similar situation in the previous cycle.

Cost does not seem to be a factor discouraging participation, as entry to the competition is free. Prospective contestants can apply by downloading the Miss England app and submitting headshots through the platform, which serves as the entry point for both the men’s and women’s contests.

Some observers have questioned whether the integration of Mr England within an app primarily associated with the female pageant might influence male interest or perception of the event. However, organisers caution against drawing conclusions from this arrangement, emphasizing that the Mr England contest offers unique opportunities for contestants regardless of the platform.

As the deadline for entries approaches, the organisers continue their efforts to attract more candidates, hoping to overcome the so-called “hunk shortage” and ensure a competitive field for this year’s event.