35th Miss World - 1985

22-year-old Hofi Karlsdottir from Iceland, was crowned Miss World 1985 at the dazzling ceremony held on 14th November 1985 at the Royal Albert Hall, London. At the time of her crowning, Hofi worked as a Nursery School Teacher and continued working at the same nursery school after her reign as Miss World. 

The Miss World Luncheon was one of the most popular functions in the Variety Club’s calendar. 1,047 Barkers and their guests turned out to honour the 1985 contestants at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, November 8th 1985.

All the girls came dressed in their striking national costumes. Chief Barker John Ratcliff said: “The lovely ladies who are here in their beautiful costumes would brighten the dullest day in our winter. We wish all of you could win next week.”

It was of course, Eric and Julia Morley who made the luncheon possible, and John Ratcliff paid tribute to them in his speech, adding: “Over the years this event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for handicapped and underprivileged children.”

The 1885 proceeds were shared between Variety’s Sunshine Coach Scheme, and the London Standard Scanner Appeal (which received £25,000 from the lunch).

After lunch the vital business of fund-raising got under way with the raffle and auction, conducted by Eric Morley in his own inimitable style, persuading guests to be as generous as possible. The raffle raised over £7,000, the prizes being gifts brought by the contestants from their own countries.

Some of the gifts were then auctioned, the items including a pair of skis, an Alpine hunting horn, Jamaican cigars, a harp and a large painting. The high bids eventually brought the total raised to an excellent £16,550.

The occasion ended in time-honoured style, with each finalist standing on a table, introduced by Peter Marshall of Thames TV. All the girls received a great ovation and the best wishes of all present, as they aspired to the world’s most coveted title.

David Lodge, Ron Moody and Nicholas Parsons were among the celebrities who attended.

MISS WORLD - ICELAND - Holmfridur KARLSDÓTTIR

Continental winners: