Saffron Corcoran, a 29-year-old mother of two from Northamptonshire, has won the Ms Galaxy 2026 beauty pageant, an achievement she attributes to rebuilding her life after severe bullying in her teenage years. Corcoran was frequently teased and called 'Crimson Chin,' a reference to a cartoon character with a large jaw, due to an underbite she was born with. The relentless abuse led her to become suicidal.
Corcoran's journey into pageantry began at age 16, a decision she credits with helping her rebuild her confidence and life. She was crowned Miss Teen Galaxy England in 2015 and Ms Galaxy UK in April of this year. This latest victory at the international Ms Galaxy pageant, held in the Bahamas, marks the culmination of an 11-year dedication.
"I had no expectation of winning, I was completely blown away and kept my eyes closed the whole time I was in second place," Corcoran said following her win. She added that her legacy would be that she "didn't give up." The pageant win is dedicated to other women who may doubt themselves.
"If I can achieve something like this, anyone else can do the same," Corcoran stated. "This journey has been an 11-year-long dedication, along the way I've had a career change into special education and welcomed two daughters."
She underwent corrective surgery as a teenager to realign her jaw, a procedure aimed at improving her confidence. Corcoran, who now works as a teaching assistant, also noted the impact of early social media, stating that bullying occurred on platforms like MSN Messenger and Ask FM, making it a constant presence in her life. "The bullying was horrific and had a massive impact on my life," she said. "I attempted suicide when I was 12 and I now do talks and charity work to combat bullying in schools."
Corcoran decided to enter the Ms Galaxy competition, which is for unmarried women over 28, after separating from her fiancé of eight years and raising her two daughters, Mabel, six, and Sophia, one. "It was a chance to rebuild again and I'm proud how I have bounced back. I'm the happiest I've been thanks to pageants," she shared. She highlighted the supportive community within pageantry, noting that the women she meets are treated as equals and that the experience has allowed her to travel and gain confidence.
"It's less about wearing a pretty dress and a crown. I do a lot of charity work and wouldn't have had that opportunity without entering pageants," Corcoran said. "I'm proud of what I've achieved and pageants have given me the confidence to be the person I am."