Behind the scenes at Britain's next top model
Friday 22 June 2012
Entertainment Editor Katie Banks gets all the goss from Elle MacPherson, Whitney Port, Julien MacDonald and Tyson Beckford...
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I head down to Claridges last Tuesday to meet stunning Elle MacPherson, who was launching the new season of Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. And dressed in tight black trousers and skyscraper heels, she was every inch the picture perfect supermodel. This year’s Elle’s judges on the panel will be top designer Julien MacDonald, The Hills star Whitney Port and male supermodel Tyson Beckford.
“I get on with all the panel,” gushes Elle. “Whitney is a fantastic role model for young girls - she’s gorgeous, relevant and gives great feedback, Tyson has that naughty glint in his eye and Julien never stops talking!”
Meanwhile Whitney Port - been hailed as a style queen after making her name in The Hills, writing for Teen Vogue and working for top designer Diane von Fürstenberg – told me she’d love to get her hand on The Only Way Is Essex girls.
The reality star, 27, says: “I watched an episode of TOWIE on a flight and I couldn’t get over all those fake tans and super thick eyelashes. I’d love to give those girls a make-under – my motto is ‘less is more.’ They’re probably really beautiful under all that make-up!”
And after starring alongside Heidi Montag, 25 – who famously spent around £20K on ten plastic surgery operations - in The Hills, Whitney admits she’s not a fan of the enhanced look either.
The LA-based socialite says: “It makes me sad because Heidi was such a beautiful girl before she went under the knife. There’s a fine line between using surgery to hide insecurities and risking your health. Heidi just went too far.”
Although Whitney’s not sure about the TOWIE look, designer Julien MacDonald says he’s a massive fan of Closer columnist Gemma Collins after she stripped down to her swimsuit during the season finale and told Arg to kiss her ass.
Julien laughs: “I loved it when Gemma told that guy where to go in her black swimsuit. I thought she looked great and she’s sending out a great message to all those girls out there who should feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Hottie Tyson Beckford then revealed that he’s extremely high-maintenance when it comes to his skincare.
He giggles: “I spend 20 minutes moisturising every morning. I like to be totally lubed up. From Baby Lotion to Vaseline, you have to take care of your skin and drink plenty of water.
Wonder if he’s fighting his girlfriend for the bathroom mirror in the mornings?!
Catch Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model returns on Sky Living on Monday July 9th at 9pm