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Combat Barbie struggles to find the right kit for Miss World war
Sri Carmichael, Consumer Affairs Reporter10.11.09
England's new entry for Miss World has already been commended by the Army for disarming an Iraqi prisoner with her bare hands.
But today the solder nicknamed "Combat Barbie" was more concerned about finding the right dress and about her lack of singing ability.
Katrina Hodge, 22 - recently promoted to Corporal with the Adjutant Generals Corps in Surrey - was drafted into the beauty contest with just 24 hours' notice.
She replaced Linford Christie's niece, 2012 heptathlete hopeful Rachel Christie, 21, who stepped down after being bailed on suspicion of assaulting a girl in a Manchester nightclub.
"I only found out on Friday, while I was at my barracks wearing combat uniform, that they needed me to take Rachel's place," said Miss Hodge.
"Then I had to arrive just 24 hours later on Saturday to start the contest. So it has been a bit of a whirlwind.
"Most Miss World girls have about a year to prepare and I've just had a day but the others have been sharing clothes and clubbing together to help me.
"I share a room with Miss Ireland and she has helped me find the right dress and do my hair. And I can't sing - I've still got to do a lot of practice." The Army administrator, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, went on parade for the first time today with the 119 other entrants at the launch of the month-long Miss World festival, which culminates in Johannesburg on 12 December.
Miss Hodge said she was just as comfortable tussling with false eyelashes as she was smearing on Army combat paint.
She said: "Who wrote the rule book that says a beauty queen can't be in the forces." Miss Hodge won a commendation with her Iraq service medal after detaining an armed prisoner who escaped in Basra. Now she hopes her high-profile role as the first serving soldier to compete in Miss World will help to recruit women into the Army and is also using the publicity to raise funds for Armed Forces charities.
A charity dinner and auction will be held tonight for the Variety International Children's Fund at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London to kick off the Miss World festival.
Reader views (3)
I always thought she was fitter than the original winner anyway.
- Ian Sankey, Plymouth, England
Good luck Katrina you deserved to be first the first time round. Now justice has been done, we are proud of you, your service in the armed forces and your beauty. You are already a real winner.
- Richard, Hastings
She hasn't got anything to worry about, because she is naturally beautiful and shows strength of character.
Nice publicity move for the Armed forces 
Perfect choice for replacing Ms Christie
- Yang, London
