Davie Henderson makes it to Mr Gay UK grand final

Apr 23 2008

SAILOR Davie Henderson was on the crest of a wave yesterday after making it through to the grand final of the Mr Gay UK contest.

The 23-year-old Paisley man sunk the opposition to win the competition’s Glasgow heat and will now go for glory when the national final is staged in London this summer.

Around 100 men strutted their stuff on stage at Bennetts nightclub in Glasgow – and Davie, who has been in the Royal Navy since he was 17, scooped more votes than any other contestant so far.

He said: “I’m still in shock. My friends went along to support me and they were all wearing T-shirts with my name on them and were handing out fliers that said ‘Vote Davie.’

“All the girls from Silver beauty salon in Paisley, who helped me prepare for the night, turned up in a Hummer to cheer me on.

“The judges said they were impressed by the amount of support I was given.

“I didn’t really think I would win the heat and I can still hardly believe it.

“They announced the third and second place contestants and I thought, ‘There’s no way I’ve won’ but then one of the judges dragged me back on stage to announce I was the winner.

“The atmosphere was amazing and I can’t explain how thrilled I am. It still hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Former Gleniffer High School pupil Davie is planning to leave the Navy in six months’ time to pursue his dream of modelling professionally.

He already models for a photographer friend and works part-time as a barman.

Davie, from Foxbar, Paisley, enjoys keeping fit and has joined the town’s Pro-Life gym to step up his exercise regime ahead of the grand final.

“I’ll be doing intense training between now and the final so I’ll be in better shape,” he said.

“Hopefully, that will help my chances.”

Davie will now appear at Gay Pride marches and Mardi Gras parades across the UK ahead of the final.
His first appearance will be at the Blackpool Gay Pride event, which takes place next month.

This is the 16th year of the Mr Gay UK competition, which has grown to become a prestigious, star-studded event.

Former hosts include Lily Savage, Jason Donovan and Graham Norton, while TV star Denise Van Outen, Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton and entertainer Danny La Rue have all been judges.