Tyra Banks Fires Nigel Barker, J. Alexander, and Jay Manuel From ‘America’s Next Top Model’
A moment of silence please—there's been a major bloodbath at America's Next Top Model.
After replacing Andre Leon Talley with PR guru Kelly Cutrone last year, Tyra Banks is parting ways with ANTM judge Nigel Barker, creative director Jay Manuel, and runway coach J. Alexander, the New York Post reports.
The three men, who had been with the show since its 2003 launch, were informed on April 19 that their contracts would not be renewed for Season 19.
"Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel, and J. Alexander have been an integral part of the America’s Next Top Model brand and they helped turn this show into the household name it is today," executive producer Ken Mok says in a statement.
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"They have been amazing assets to the show and will always be a part of the Top Model family. We will continue to actively work with each of them on future projects.”
Barker, meanwhile, has posted this on his personal blog: "I will miss the cast, the crew and ANTM will always have a special place in my heart, having made life-long friendships with countless fond memories.
"This change will allow me to take on new projects and turn my attention to other business prospects in the worlds of fashion, beauty, and entertainment. I also have a number of new ventures that have been in the works, and I look forward to sharing them with you very soon. Stay tuned!"
And apparently there are no hard feelings between the fashion photographer and Banks, with Barker tweeting the former supermodel, "Best of luck with cycle 19. It has been a pleasure working with you the past 8 years. Much love, Nigel."
An insider tells the Post that "major changes [are] planned for [season] 19." Producers have reportedly been in talks with Bryan Boy in an effort to incorporate more fashion bloggers into the program.
It's going to take some serious star power to replace Barker's dreamboat looks, Manuel's beauty smarts, and Alexander's flamboyant quips. You owe us, Tyra!
