The international beauty contest Miss Italia Nel Mondo will be transmitted live today 9pm on RAI Uno and RAI International from Salsomaggiore Terme in Italy. The Maltese representative, 20-year old Leanne Zammit of Safi, will be participating alongside 39 other participants from all over the world.

The show, presented by popular TV personality Carlo Conti, is expected to be of very high quality with a number of international guests including football legend Diego Armando Maradona, who will be heading the jury. Other members of the jury include Aida Yespica, Milton Morales and Julia Smith. Popular Italian singer Gigi D’Alessio will provide the entertainment.

Following the opening of the televoting yesterday, the 40 finalists, including Leanne Zammit, will be shortlisted to 20. The participants, who all have either Italian descent or have an Italian surname, will be interviewed by Carlo Conti.

“I’m very excited, but I’m also proud to represent Malta in this prestigious event. These past days have been extremely interesting and full of events, including photo shoots, training and choreography sessions,” Leanne said from her hotel room in Salsomaggiore Terme.

Accompanying Leanne Zammit is Antonella Vassallo, the organiser of the local festival that selected Miss Italia Malta.