Tami Farrell takes Prejean’s tiara

Tami Farrell, a former Miss Teen USA, has slipped on the Miss California tiara previously worn by Carrie Prejean, who was stripped of her title on June 10.

Asked by Fox News whether she had spoken to Prejean (left), Farrell (right) said, "No I haven't. Unfortunately she and I never really established a relationship or friendship at the pageant but I wish her the best of luck in whatever she does now."

She also claims to have a good relationship with Miss USA organisation owner Donald Trump. "I used to bake him cookies and brownies," Farrell said. "It is always good to have him on your side."

Her predecessor, the 21-year-old Prejean, shot to fame after she was runner up at the Miss USA contest, claiming that she failed to win the title because she had spoken out about same sex unions - declaring "marriage should be between a man and a woman".

But her new-found role as a conservative pin-up girl was quickly undermined when racy pictures emerged of her on the internet. One photograph showed Prejean, then a 17-year-old model, partially nude with her back turned towards the camera.

Despite her controversial views and the release of the pictures Prejean initially held onto her title when property mogul Trump - the owner of the Miss USA organisation - held a press conference to announce that the pictures did not constitute a breach of her contract.

However, 'the Donald' - as Trump is known to viewers of the US version of The Apprentice - has now backtracked and relieved Prejean of her tiara. The body said that the decision was taken because of "contract violations including Ms Prejean's unwillingness to make appearances on behalf of the Miss California USA organization".

Trump himself commented: "I told Carrie she needed to get back to work and honour her contract and I gave her the opportunity to do so. Unfortunately it just doesn't look like it is going to happen."

As for Prejean - she was in no doubt about why she lost her crown. "None of this would be happening right now if I just said, 'Yeah, gays should get married,'" she said.