Tyra Banks Returning As Host Of VH1’s ‘America’s Next Top Model’

In 2015, news broke that America’s Next Top Model was cancelled. A few weeks later, it was announced that VH1 decided to pick up the show.

DM Fashion Book reported that VH1 officially confirmed that they are bringing back the show, but without Tyra Banks (see it here). The fashion and media mogul will however stay on as executive producer. Ken Mok, also executive producer for the series’ full run, will continue in the same role for the new season as well.

Last summer, we officially confirmed that Rita Ora will replace Banks as the show’s host (see it here). Model Ashley Graham, Paper magazine‘s creative director Drew Elliott, and stylist Law Roach joined Ora on the show as judges.

Cycle 23 of America’s Next Top Model premiered on Monday, December 12th at 10 ET/PT on VH1 and wrapped last Wednesday. India Gants was announced the winner. She received $100,000, a commercial feature on behalf of Rimmel London, and a fashion spread in Paper Magazine, along with an exclusive one-year talent deal with VH1.

Moving forward, Tyra Banks is back! The show’s co-creator and executive producer will return to the modeling competition as host for the next cycle.

In an official statement, the supermodel, actress, and mogul says:

“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 realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ANTM is woven into my DNA.”

Banks, through a series of Tweets, also confirmed her return and thanked Rita Ora for an exquisite job well done.

In his own statement co-executive producer Ken Mok said of Tyra’s return:

“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 her future endeavors.”

The remaining panelists will be announced at a later date. Stay tuned to DM Fashion Book as this story develops!

Photos Credit: Tyra Banks’ Instagram | ATNM’s Instagram