Amelia Davies, a 31-year-old from Warrington, has won the World Gravy Wrestling Championship, taking the trophy and a £100 cash prize in the saucy showdown.
Competing in a viking costume, as entrants are encouraged to grapple in fancy dress, she fought off all challengers to claim the crown. The event, held annually in Bacup, Lancs., raises money for charity and sees wrestlers battle in slippery two-minute rounds, judged on showmanship, costume and entrances.
A messy downside to victory
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star, the new world champion revealed that while it was great fun, there was a downside to grappling in 1,500 litres of gravy. "It gets everywhere," she said. "It's pretty minging. It's not like water, it looked quite thin but it sticks to your skin."
First-time entrant Amelia, a nail technician by trade, devised a cunning plan after being warned that fluffy costumes get heavy when soaked in gravy. "I had a viking costume which had a fluffy arm piece so when that was soaked in gravy, I could take it off and hit my opponent with it," she said.
Surprise win and festive atmosphere
Amelia, who also won the prize for best fancy dress, was cheered on by friends and family in the crowd. "I go into everything and give 110%," she said. "I'm a bit of a showboat. I like to entertain my friends. I had a lot of family and friends there with banners. It was like I had my own little section of the crowd backing me. But I was genuinely surprised when I did win it. This was my first year. The lady who I was up against has been doing it for the last six years, so I thought she would win."
Despite knocking lumps out of each other, Amelia said the atmosphere among competitors was great. "It's just fun. Everyone was willing to have fun and have a great time," she said. "It's all in the name of fun. It was such a good laugh. When do you ever get the opportunity to roll around in gravy?"
