Tyra Banks ditches ANTM age limit
Tyra Banks has ditched the age limit on ‘America’s Next Top Model’.
The 43-year-old model – who will return as host of the show for season 24 after a one-year absence – has revealed that for the first time ever, contestants can be older than 27.
She said: "I’ve stood for diverse beauty and erasing cookie cutters when it comes to what is deemed beautiful. You know what I hear all the time? Tyra, come on! Why have an age limit? So you know what? I’m taking that age limit off.
"You want to audition for ‘America’ s Next Top Model’? I don’t care how old you are, honey, you just need to know how to smize and be open to learning how to work the runway like a supermodel."
Tyra recently released a statement in which she credited the show’s fans for her decision to return as presenter.
She said: "I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ‘ANTM’ fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart.
"After giving it a lot of thought, I see that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ‘ANTM’ is woven into my DNA."
And fellow executive producer Ken Mok also praised former host Rita Ora as he welcomed Tyra back to her role.
He said: "Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize.
"We’d like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro. She infused this new iteration of ‘ANTM’ with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in the future."
