Should the world of beauty pageants remain a kitsch memory firmly stuck in the past, or is it time we learned to love Miss World again?

Well reach for your tiaras and remote controls because it is back.

After a ten year absence from UK terrestrial television, the new and improved Miss World contest is hitting the screens of Channel Five, on Thursday.

The new politically correct version has ditched the national costumes, skimpy swimsuits and high heels of old - this year's contestants will be seen in a "more natural environment" relaxing in jeans and T-shirts.

But in sanitising the contest are the organisers removing the meat market factor or simply being prudes? Why is there no Mr World contest?

Critics are inclined to pan the pageant as an excuse for people to leer at semi-naked women, judging them on their looks and figure alone.

But this year's Miss Malaysia thinks the contest has moved on.

"I think everyone is going to be surprised in how spectacular the event is going to be and how down to earth it is, and they're really making an effort to move into the 21st century," she said.

Founder of Miss World, Eric Morley, said broadcasters had been foolish to drop the annual ritual.

"People love a competition and when it comes to beauty everyone's an expert," he said. "They like to watch Miss World and say 'Why did she win? My wife's better looking than her'."

What do you think?

Are beauty contests outdated?

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