Lionel Richie Day celebrated with Miss World preparations

The planet’s most beautiful women were making final preparations today for the 54th Miss World contest.

Contestants from 120 countries will be watched by an estimated audience of more than 2.3 billion when the pageant takes place in Sanya, China, tomorrow night.

The show will be co-hosted by model and TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, and will include a performance by soul singer Lionel Richie. The Chinese government named today Lionel Richie Day in honour of his visit.

Four competitions – talent, beach wear, sport and fashion – have already taken place over the last 10 days.

The winners of those tournaments will automatically proceed to the final.

Ten more finalists will be chosen by phone votes from television viewers and one will be picked by the contestants themselves.

The winner will be picked from the 15 finalists by a traditional judging panel.

The victor will take the crown from last year’s winner, Ireland’s Rosanna Davison – the daughter of singer Chris de Burgh.

Miss World is one of the most watched television events in the world, with only the Olympic Games and World Cup pulling in more viewers.