Two aspiring models from Tower Hamlets have got through to the grand finale of a national search to find the next British cover-girl.

East London Advertiser: Martina Junvik, 22, has got through to the grand finale of a modelling competition.Martina Junvik, 22, has got through to the grand finale of a modelling competition. (Image: Archant)

Martina Junvik, 22, and 16-year-old Michelle Neil were both thrilled to make it through to the finals of the Top Model UK competition.

Michelle, who goes to Morpeth School in Portman Place, Bethnal Green, said: “I was so excited and happy when I got through. I was really surprised because I entered last year, but didn’t get through because my nerves got the better of me. But this year, the judge said he was really proud of me and said that I’ve matured.”

The schoolgirl, who lives in Bethnal Green, said she has been bullied in the past because she was so tall and skinny – but now she is proud of her figure.

“I’ve told a few of mates about the competition, and it’s slowly going around the school,” she added.

Martina, an events planner and hostess who lives in Limehouse, says the competition has boosted her confidence and she now hopes to pursue modelling as a career.

The finals are set to place on April 12-13 in central London.