Face of Ireland has the X-Factor

FACE of Ireland - the all-Ireland beauty competition - has revealed that an X-Factor finalist is to headline its grand finale festival.

And while it remains a mystery which finalist will be singing live at the final,

Face of Ireland has been told that the eighth finalist to be knocked out of the singing competition will be the act making an appearance.

The mystery act - who is sure to build up quite a following as the show continues - will join a host of other celebrities signed up for the finale festival.

Judges on the night will be Paula Lenihan, Editor in Chief RSVP, Maureen O Halloran, Chief Executive of Shopin.ie, Aisling O'Loughlin from TV3's Xpose and John Compton, Compton's Model Agency. Comperes on the night are RTE 2FM's Nikki Hayes and TV3's Martin King.

Brian Cunningham, Managing Director, Face of Ireland which saw a record-breaking 12,000 entries this year, said: "This is really exciting news and is sure to attract a record-breaking crowd to the festival and county Donegal. I can't wait to see who it will be!"

It is thought that at least 2,000 people will be attracted to Donegal from November 18 to 23 when the grand finale festival, sponsored by the Villa Rose Hotel Group, hits town. In total there are some 26 finalists from all around the country who will be descending on the county with their family and friends entourages. Three local hotels  - the Abbey, Jacksons and the Villa Rose are all hosting separate events as part of the festival.

The lucky winner scoops a load of goodies with the highlights being teamed up with Compton Model Agency and a luxurious break in the Big Apple. On top of that she will also receive jewellery, cosmetics and a photo shoot with one of the best known fashion photographers in the country, Matt Britton, and will be featured in RSVP magazine - to name only a few! The question is who will replace Jill Wallace, last year's winner as the Face of Ireland.

There are still some tickets for sale for the Face of Ireland Grand Finale Festival so check out www.faceofireland.com for availability.

Next year's event promises to be even bigger and better as it is being relaunched at the Grand Final. Anyone interested in taking part in next year's Face of Ireland search can enter online at www.faceofireland.com. All entrants must be over the age of 18.

*To the left is a picture of last year's winner Jill Wallace from county Fermanagh.

 For further information contact:

Angela Madden

Tempus Media

tempusmedialtd@gmail.com

086 773 2023