He narrowly missed out on the top prize on BBC's The Apprentice, but Manchester entrepreneur Lewis Ellis is aiming for success as he takes to the stage for the Mr Global pageant.
Lewis, who was one of the final five contestants in The Apprentice semi-final in 2019, is competing in the seventh annual global male beauty contest next month.
The current Mr England, Liam Ulla from Dorset, is unable take part because of work commitments, so as runner-up Lewis will be flying out to Thailand to represent the UK in the international event which celebrates different cultures across the world.
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Liam explained: "Due to work commitments, I am sad to say I will not be able to represent the England in the upcoming Mr Global competition, but I will be supporting my successor and friend Lewis who I know that will do his best in Thailand to win.
"Good Luck to Lewis and to all the other competitors."
Lewis, 31, will be one of the 37 contestants with inspiring stories.
He was asked to find a flight sponsor to cover his travel to Thailand and The Surgery Group stepped in to help.
Mr England clothing sponsor Envoy London provided Lewis with a dinner suit to wear and he is now getting his wardrobe together for the big event which takes place on Tuesday March 15.
Lewis, who has a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in business and marketing, launched his own marketing business Hussel Marketing in lockdown.
He said: “My proudest moment so far is surviving the pandemic by starting my own business.
"I lost my job and I lost everything. I couldn't find anyone willing to employ me when Covid first hit.
"I had no way to survive and I realised the only way I could make it through was to start my own business Hussel marketing.
"In our first year we turned over more than £100,000 and we look set to hit quarter of a million in year two."
Lewis competed in Mr England after being crowned Mr Manchester in 2020.
The role included charity work as well as flying the flag for the city.
Lewis shaved his head for charity and delivered school meals to 50 households.
