New ‘Australia’s Next Top Model’ Bans Hopefuls From Getting In Touch With Outside World
Now it really feels like a model boot camp! "Australia's Next Top Model" wannabes must have gotten the shock of their lives when they were told that they would be deprived of not-so-basic commodities (like mobile phone, television, and the Internet!) while they're staying in the multi-million dollar mansion.
According to executive producer Shaun Murphy, the contestants were given a live-in chaperone during the three-month taping to see to their needs and to enforce their rules.
"We want them to focus on being the best model they can," he was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying. "We had an associate producer living in the house 24/7 and we made it obvious that if they needed help there was always someone to chat with."
After two years hiatus, the show will return on Fox8 on July 9 with not one, but two non-competing faces. Miss Universe 2004 title holder Jennifer Hawkins is the new host, taking the post from last cycle's Sarah Murdoch.
Also, joining the judges' panel composed of Alex Perry and Charlotte Dawson is model and "The Celebrity Apprentice" contender Didier Cohen has been declared the fourth judge, a new format this season as well.
"It's a new set, Didier's new and there's four judges because Jen's also involved," Murphy said. "Didier's a young fresh male face which we haven't had before as a judge on a regular basis."
"I was a nobody for Celebrity Apprentice, I didn't know anyone or anything," the 28-year-old Cohen told The West Australian. "The night before Top Model started I was super nervous. I've known Charlotte for years but this is her and Alex's realm. But they welcomed me like I was their little kid."
The exec producer added that they have implemented a more thorough and stricter auditioning process. Instead of the usual 100, they were only 50 girls allowed at boot camp before they were filtered to an even smaller number. And instead of 16 hopefuls entering the house, only 14 made it through.
"This way were getting to know the characteristics earlier and quicker," Murphy explained.