Spirits are dampened as reigning Miss Honduras champion, Maria Jose Alvarado, goes missing days before the much awaited Miss World Pageant is set to begin.The 19 year old beauty and her sister have been missing since last Thursday after attending a birthday party, Santa Barbara police has confirmed.

Although the disappearance was not initially being treated as suspicious, it has emerged that four people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance, including the boyfriend of Maria Jose’s sister.

Contestants from over 120 countries will begin competing in the pageant for the glory of becoming Miss World, and the hopefuls are expected to begin arriving on Thursday.

The grand finale takes place on December 14 at none other then ExCel London Arena, an iconic venue in the heart of the capital’s Royal Docks area.

Swiss-born medical student Carina Tyrrell, 24, who is a qualified ski instructor and experienced gymnast, is representing England in the competition. Watch this space, as this Cambridge medical student definitely gives ‘beauty and brains’ a whole new level of meaning.

With kick off for one of the world’s biggest beauty pageants very close, will Maria Jose return safely and make it to London in time to compete for the chance to take home the sought after crown?

Picture: Maria Jose Alvarado Facebook

Video: OfficialMissWorld