Phoebe is the sole showgirl to contest the 2009 title.

When she was told she was on her own on Tuesday she was overwhelmed by what Saturday might hold but said she was even more determined to go through with her commitment.

She is a firm believer in the showgirl tradition and was a little sad to think that tradition might end if she didn’t step forward.

“I have watched the competition growing up and always thought I would do it one day,” Phoebe said.

“The girls always looked like they were having a lot of fun,”she said.

She believes the competition can only help her confidence, improve her interview techniques and the way in which she holds herself.

Phoebe is a born and bred Singletonian, and the family property at Mt Olive is the place she calls home.

She is a student at the University of New England at Armidale.

This year she will finish her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in communication and minoring in theatre.

Next year she plans to begin a graduate diploma of education, an 18-month course that should land her a job as a high school English and drama teacher.

In her leisure time Phoebe plays a little netball and enjoys photography but her real passion lies with live theatre.

“I see as much as I can, especially student theatre and class productions,” she said.