Paul Henry's daughters step in spotlight

Bella Hopes says her father supports her turn on Beauty and the Geek.

One will battle for a crown and the other for $100,000 when two of broadcaster Paul Henry's daughters step into the limelight.

Henry's youngest daughter Bella Hopes, 21, is a contestant in the Australian reality TV show Beauty and the Geek, and middle child Sophie Hopes, 23, is competing for the Miss Universe New Zealand crown.

Beauty queen Sophie will take on 19 other finalists in the pageant's gala final at SkyCity on Saturday.

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Bella, a makeup artist from Auckland, will debut on Aussie screens from next Thursday.

Henry has returned from Australia after his morning current affairs show, Network Ten's Breakfast, was axed because of poor ratings.

He took the Aussie job after resigning from his long-standing role as co-host of TVNZ's Breakfast over controversial comments.

Sophie declined to comment to the Herald about her pageant quest, but a Facebook page showed her dedication to the campaign.

The brunette beauty had published photos and messages about her preparation for the competition - including her attendance at charity events and working with Thai children.

She had chosen to support children's charity Variety as part of her campaign.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Sydney, Bella spoke of her father's support for her role in Beauty and Geek - a reality show that pairs women who have relied primarily on their looks with men who count on their intellect.

"He was pretty confident that I would do well," she said.