'I thought she was my best friend - I couldn't believe she would do that to me' (2025)

'I am so proud that I didn't let this define me as a person'

A young woman who was bullied so severely she was beaten and forced to move school now has her heart set on becoming a beauty queen.

Growing up, Olivia Hall struggled with self-image and often felt out of place among her peers - saying the experience was something she wouldn’t wish on anyone.

It all started with cruel comments in her primary school leavers’ book and continued into secondary school where she was mocked for her appearance.

Hurtful remarks about her ‘monobrow’ led to her first visit to a beauty salon at the age of just 10 or 11 when her mum took her to have her eyebrows waxed.

But the bullying would lead to online harassment and even physical assault - including an incident where more than 20 classmates gathered to watch and film her being attacked by someone she thought was her best friend.

With torment continuing for more than two and a half years, Olivia can recall spending more time in pastoral care offices than in her classes.

Ultimately, the now 26-year-old was forced to leave and start over at a new school - but even then the trauma followed her.

Unfortunately, the video of her assault had resurfaced online, reaching her new classmates and causing her and her family more heartache. Olivia, from Bury, was referred to counselling which she says finally helped her to rebuild her confidence.

"The bullying I experienced was something I wouldn't wish on anyone," she told the Manchester Evening News. "I remember one in particular taunting me that I had no friends.

"These comments would result in me wanting to change my appearance, so I began bleaching my hair when I was 14, wearing false tan, makeup, false eyelashes and hair extensions. No matter what I did, it would only prompt them to hit back with nastier comments.

"There were comments spray-painted to electrical boxes close to my school and rumors spiraling out of control on pages set up on Facebook by people in my classes.

"All of which came from the people who I believed to be my friends. I had phone calls at night off people threatening me and it became unbearable. Not only did it affect my mental health, but my family would see the things that were written about me online which was very upsetting for them.

"The physical bullying then started to take place, this would range from food being thrown at me to being physically assaulted, once whilst over 20 people from my school gathered around and filmed it - all of which was set up by who I thought was my best friend at the time.

"Every day I would go home upset; I would cry to my mum. As an adult, looking back on this time in my life isn’t easy although I am so proud that I didn't let this define me as a person."

Determined to reclaim her self-worth, Olivia decided to embrace new opportunities - and one came along in 2019 when she was unexpectedly scouted for a pageant.

Olivia was taking part a small fashion show she had discovered through a local Facebook group when she was approached about entering Miss Manchester.

Having never competed before and knowing little about the UK pageant scene, she decided to take a leap of faith - and it changed her life.

That year, she was crowned Miss Congeniality, an award given to the most friendly and well-liked contestant.

She says her nan also had a huge role in her first pageant experience through helping tailor her dress, lending her jewellery and helping with the charity fundraising process.

When Olivia was scouted once again for the Miss Manchester 2025 competition - this time by Sean Maloney, the director of Miss Manchester, at a high-profile launch event - she says her beloved nan was over the moon.

But just a week later, she sadly passed away - leaving Olivia knowing she had to compete one last time.

And she has since been announced as a finalist in this year’s Miss Manchester competition, which will take place on Saturday, March 8, at luxury wedding venue and restaurant Vermillion.

Sponsored by Oakwood Motor Company, the event will mark her return to the pageant world six years after her first appearance.

As she prepares to take the stage once more, Olivia now hopes to use her platform to empower other women to feel comfortable in their own bodies.

"Competing in the Miss Manchester pageant is an incredible opportunity that means so much to me, both personally and professionally," she said.

"It represents a chance to showcase my passion for empowering others, celebrating diversity and promoting positive change within the Greater Manchester community.

"Not only has it helped me to boost my self-confidence, it has provided me with a way of making incredible friendships and a platform to use my voice to inspire and uplift others, especially those that have been subjected to childhood bullying.

"For me, it’s not just about beauty, but about confidence, resilience and the power of embracing your true self. My family are all so supportive of my Miss Manchester journey and it means the world to me knowing that they will be in attendance on Saturday at the grand final."