Former Miss World, Diana Hayden, will be the only judge from India amongst eight other Miss World's to judge the 55th finals of the Miss World pageant being held on December 10, 2005, for the third year in Sanya, China.

"It's a privilege to be part of this most exceptional international panel of judges in the history of pageants," she proudly quips, and adds "The competition this year is pretty tough and as all of us judges have been on the other side, we know exactly what the girls are going through. I'm really looking forward to the final event as it promises to be wonderful".

As over 100 of the planet's most beautiful women gather to compete for the title currently held by Maria Julia Mantilla of Peru, it is for the first time ever that the final judging panel will consist of nine former Miss World's –

Agbani Darego (Miss World 2001, from Nigeria), Ann Sidney (Miss World 1964, from United Kingdom), Azra Akin (Miss World 2002, from Turkey), Denise Perrier Lanfranchi (Miss World 1953, from France), Diana Hayden (Miss World 1997, from India), Julia Kurochkina (Miss World 1992, from Russia), Lucia Petterle (Miss World 1971, from Brazil), Mariasela Alvarez (Miss World 1982, from Dominican Republic) and Wilnelia Merced (Miss World 1975, from Puerto Rico).

Ultimately, these women will also decide who will be crowned 'Miss World 2005' and have the honour of joining their exclusive rank. As well as watching the contestants perform on the night, they will interview each one in advance of the Final to help them in their decision.

Twelve finalists, two from each continental zone, will be joined by the winners of three fast track events, Beach Beauty, Talent, and Beauty with a Purpose, whittling the record number of 115 contestants down to 15.

On December 10, the competition climaxes in a two-hour final, televised live from Sanya, when the judging panel names the six continental winners and the overall winner of 'Miss World 2005'. An estimated two billion viewers will tune into the final, making it one of the biggest live TV events in the world -- second only to football's World Cup.