Tyra Banks is returning to host “America’s Next Top Model,” which has been renewed for another season by VH1. Banks — who created the reality competition series — took a one-season hiatus from hosting “America’s Next Top Model” when the show moved to VH1 from the CW for its most recent season, but remained executive producer and appeared throughout the season, while Rita Ora served as host.
The news comes just days after Banks was announced as the new host of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” which will see the departure of long-time host Nick Cannon.
“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,” said Banks in a statement. “After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ‘ANTM’ is woven into my DNA.”
“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,” said executive producer Ken Mok, who created the global franchise with Banks.
After running for 12 years and 22 cycles on the CW and its predecessor UPN, “America’s Next Top Model” was cancelled by the CW and ended its run on the network in December 2015. VH1 then picked up the series without Banks hosting, though she and Mok were integral in the creative re-development of the series.
