Millie Gooch

Millie has been sober since the bad old days of 'orange juice, water or nothing' and has watched with joy over the last seven years as the alcohol-free category has exploded into life. 'I've pretty much tried them all as they've popped up,' she says. Through her Sober Girl Society, she's constantly hearing what the sober and sober-curious community actually want from their drinks and has put her expertise to the test at numerous competitions. 

Her favourite category is RTDs. 'They're just so convenient,' she enthuses, 'whether you're hosting friends, heading to a picnic or simply relaxxing at home. And I love how this category has involved to include some really creative and sophisticated options.'

She's also really interested in the Functional category and can't wait to see what comes in front of her at this year's Awards. 'I love the idea of drinks that taste amazing but also do something extra for you - whether it's helping unwind, boosting energy or supporting your overall wellbeing,' she says. Balancing great flavours with functional benefits, she muses, 'feels like the future of drinks.'

Certainly, it's got more going for it than Millie's dancing career. In 2010 her dance group were super-excited to make it to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent... only to be beaten by a dancing dog! Millie describes it, with some justification, as 'one of the more surreal highlights of my life!'