The Cabaret came to town on Saturday night when mother-of-two Rachel Martinez was crowned Mrs Gibraltar 2016.

Last year's winner Serika Garcia handed the crown to Rachel who was selected out of a panel of 12 contestants who took part in the burlesque-themed show held at the Alameda Open Air Theatre.

Rachel, 30, will now go on to represent the Rock in the Mrs Universe pageant, which will be held in China later this year.

Wearing an emerald green crop top and maxi skirt, Rachel grew emotional as she spoke to YGTV about her partner Dennis and daughters Skye, six, and Amy, five. She said: “I feel ecstatic. Everyone was asking me how I felt about the show earlier in the day, but I just felt numb all day.

“So you can imagine, it’s a whirlwind of emotions and all I can think about are my daughters and my partner, and I just want to hug them.

“I am really happy and this title means a lot to me. It’s been hard preparing for this, with lots of gym, dieting and meditation that have been a big part of it, but it’s been worthwhile.

“I’m looking forward to going to China and rock it – Gibraltar is a small town but we are a big personality and I am going to show that to the world.”

Rachel said she didn’t have a clue that she was going to be crowned on the night, adding that the other girls all looked absolutely stunning so it could have gone to anyone.

Her princesses Dawn Gaul and Davinia Cano will attend Mrs World and Mrs Europe. Jessica Mendez was crowned 3^rd Princess and awarded Mrs Overall, while Nadiuska Ghio took the title for 4^th Princess and Mrs Friendship.

The show was produced by Ideal Productions and presented by brother and sister duo of Nathan and Jessica Baldachino and featured performances by Danza Academy, a solo performance by Eden Andrades and Carl Mascarenhas.

The Anna Luisa Ressa Award went to Lesley Chadwick, Rachel Palmer was awarded Mrs Photogenic, Mrs Star of India went to 2^nd Princess Davinia Cano for the best skin and Mrs Elegance, and Mrs Fringe Benefits went to 1^st Princess Dawn Gaul for best hair, Jayney Teese was awarded for the best interview, and Mrs Gibraltar Rachel Martinez was also awarded for the best catwalk.

Photos by Mark Galliano

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