Actor Will Mellor secured a second-place finish in the men's Gurning Championships at the annual Egremont Crab Fair in Cumbria. The competition, a fixture of the fair since the 1500s, draws participants who pull their ugliest or most grotesque faces. Mellor, known for his roles in "Hollyoaks" and "Mr Bates vs The Post Office," attended the event as part of a filming program.
Ged Eccles, a local resident, was crowned the men's champion, marking his first victory after multiple near misses. Eccles, who was the junior champion in 1985, previously came second in 2023 and third in 2016 and 2009. He attributed his win to increased practice, stating he trained for several hours daily to improve muscle flexibility for the competition. "I practise in front of a mirror for maybe three to four hours a day," he said. "I've been doing that since the end of May."
Eccles expressed his hope to defend his title next year and continue participating as long as possible. Organizers estimated around 50 entrants across the men's, women's, and junior categories, with up to 800 spectators attending the event.
In the women's competition, Claire Lister, a nine-time champion, reclaimed her title after losing it last year. Lister described her victory as a delight and emphasized the tradition of the Egremont Crab Fair. "It's just a bit of fun and keeps the Egremont Crab Fair tradition going," she said. Unlike some competitors, Lister stated she does not formally train for the event, relying on her years of experience. "I think after doing it for so many years it just comes naturally to me now," she added.
The Egremont Crab Fair itself dates back to 1267, making it one of the oldest fairs in the UK. The gurning competition is a long-standing element of this historic event. Organizers are already planning for the 760th iteration of the fair next year, aiming for a significant celebration.
