A teenager who ditched the idea of wearing a dress to prom rocked up in an outlandish Joker outfit.

Hollie-Mae Cooper stunned classmates and teachers alike when she arrived at her prom as the iconic villain.

The 16-year-old New Forest Academy student embodied her love of the 2019 film ‘Joker’ to mark the end of her secondary education.

She was met with cheers upon her arrival at Elmers Court on Thursday night.

Daily Echo: Hollie-Mae with her brotherHollie-Mae with her brother (Image: Vicky Cooper)

Speaking on her decision, Hollie-Mae, from Blackfield, said: “I wanted to stand out.

“I used to try and fit in, but I started being myself more and I haven’t wanted to fit in for a long time.

“I decided at the start of the year to go as the Joker. I wanted to be colourful, to stand out, and be bright, like the Joker is.”

READ MORE: In pictures: Bitterne Park School prom 2023

Hollie-Mae spoke of her reluctance to appear different to her peers when she was younger, something she no longer fears.

And with a new lease of confidence, she is encouraging other people to not hold themselves back.

She said: “I don’t know why people try to fit in so much. It’s not shocking or something that is memorable.

“You want to feel special and be who you are.

“Nobody knew I was going to be dressing as the Joker. Obviously, you have the few people who stare and laugh but I just laugh with them. I don’t need their approval.”

Daily Echo: New Forest Academy student Hollie-Mae Cooper as the Joker for her Year 11 promNew Forest Academy student Hollie-Mae Cooper as the Joker for her Year 11 prom (Image: Vicky Cooper)

Hollie-Mae is keen for people like her to ‘just go for it.’ She said: “You won’t regret it at all and you will feel amazing.

“People will love what you do because they have seen something new.”

Mum Vicky Cooper said she is ‘so proud.’

She said: “Hollie-Mae has shown other girls that they don’t need to conform to what everyone else is doing. It’s good to be individual, and I am so proud of her.

“An unbelievable amount of people said she is an inspiration and how brave it was for her to not do the norm.

“I was nervous for her when she arrived, but the number of cheers she received when she pulled up was amazing.”