SHAZZ SIMPSON, 43, voice trainer, married with a 20-year-old daughter

Height/Weight: 1.6m/83kg

Why she joined the pageant: 'I joined in support of what I believe in - a celebration of plus-size girls embracing their bigness and living fulfilled lives like any other woman.'

Dating game: 'Big girls have that sparkle and wow factor and many times, it has nothing to do with size. To me, it has always been about the confidence and personal sense of style that makes the opposite sex notice you in a crowded room.'

Her diet: 'It's hard to resist all the yummy Malay and Indian food. But I try to eat less carbohydrates and drink lots of water instead of soft drinks. I try not to indulge in supper.'

Being a plus-size: 'Being a bigger woman has taught me not to become a victim of a belief system usually created by society or the media that skinny is beautiful. It has taught me to value myself for who I am.'

>> Big babes

This article was first published in The Sunday Times.