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A crown fit 'n' snug for a queen could be coming to Norfolk if the national Mr Gay UK judges like our homegrown talent.

Christian Hutchins, a 23-year-old carpenter from Great Yarmouth, will be representing the region in the final to be held at Manchester Mardi Gras in August.

Christian Hutchins wins regional heat

"I feel pleased, very excited about being in the next stage," he said. "It was a really enjoyable evening.

"I was a bit nervous to start with but as the evening went on and we had a few more glasses of wine the more and more confident I got.

" It was nice and I was pleased with the outcome."

The contest

Terry George, of NOW UK magazine, set up the contest 10 years ago to celebrate the beauty of the gay male. He says although the competition started off as a bit of fun, it has taken on more significance through the years.

"It started pretty much as a hobby, but then it gained more of a political agenda. Many people didn't realise that so many gay men looked straight," he said.

Terry George

"We've had people in the past who've had to have their arm twisted to enter, but then they love it - it's the adrenalin rush. The final winner gets 拢5000 worth of prizes, which includes spending money, a holiday to Australia for two, loads of clothes, etc.

"It's a good excuse to have a good laugh and the chance for somebody to get their couple of minutes of fame and all gay men like to see a bit of flesh," he added.

The interview

Christian entered the competition determined to win.

"Everyone was having a good laugh, three or four of them were quite confident and went with winning in mind," he said.

Here he speaks to Martin Barber for the 大象传媒 website for Norfolk.

C: I'm not quite sure what swung the judges' decision. Perhaps overall appearance and the air of confidence.

M: So tell us more about yourself?

C: I'm 23, a self-employed carpenter. I'm single and live on my own in Great Yarmouth. I work out, like cycling, taking the dog for a walk and I go running. I've got a Rottweiler called Benson, he's three and I got him about six months ago.

M: You're currently single?

C: There's no-one that interests me, I got out of quite a long relationship and it's not what I'm looking for. I was in the relationship for two years, it ended two years ago.

I was a bit loved up, it's taken me that long to get over it. I've been looking, going out and doing what you have to be doing but you know....no-one I've found is what I'm looking for.

M: Mr Gay UK - you're into the final. What are you hoping for?

C: Winning it and then I'm not quite sure. It'd be good to meet new and exciting people, have good times, maybe even a career change you never know.

I've never done modelling before, I've always wanted to get into it.

I only came out four years ago. I was with a girl before that and I can now be myself and who I want to be and gay modelling would be fantastic.

M: What would you say to those thinking about coming out?

C: I've never been happier since I've been true to myself let alone to other people. I'm having a whale of a time.

I'm feeling really good about myself 110% for the first time in a long time. I've hidden it for years and I was ashamed and disgusted, through lack of knowledge and ignorance.

Cheering on the competition

I'm literally enjoying every minute and have been since I've come out to be totally honest with you. It's an unbelievable experience from being with a female and fantasising about boys to then making the first step and doing it - that was quite strange.

I've comes to terms with it in my own way now. When you first come on the scene and you're new, everyone's attracted to you which is a nice feeling, but you're not meeting the people who you should be meeting as they stand to one side. You get all the limelight. But now I've taken a stand back and I'm enjoying it.

Read about the regional heat

See pictures from the evening
Please do not view this gallery if you feel the material may in any way offend

See also:
Message board
Contacts for support and advice

Social groups

Pubs and clubs

HIV advice website
Sex survey

Women on Women

Gay youth group
Lesbian Line

Mr Gay UK 2002 @ Oxygen

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