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Janice Exits "Top Model"

by Sarah Hall
May 26, 2005, 2:40 PM PT



Janice Dickinson, the self-proclaimed world's first supermodel, has had enough of searching for America's next top model.

The no-holds-barred judge with a tongue of acid is catwalking away from Tyra Banks' model hunt after four seasons to pursue other interests, including a book deal and a stint on VH1's Surreal Life.

During her Top Model tenure, Dickinson was the Simon Cowell of the show, keeping things interesting with her merciless criticisms of contestants and occasionally seeming to clash with Banks during the selection process.

"We would like to thank Janice for bringing her talents to the show and for everything she did to help us build America's Next Top Model into its current success," said Ken Mok, the show's executive producer, in a statement. "We wish her well in all of her future endeavors."

Dickinson will be replaced in the fifth season of UPN's Top Model by Twiggy, who holds the distinction of being the first teenager to become a supermodel back in the 1960s. It's yet to be seen if she can hold a candle to Dickinson's cattiness.

Also joining the judges' panel is frequent guest commentator and catwalk guru, J. Alexander.

"We are thrilled to have Twiggy as a part of this cycle's judging panel; the show and participants will benefit a great deal from her vast knowledge and expertise," Mok said. "With Twiggy and the addition of runway expert J. Alexander as judges, we're guaranteed to have some lively judging sessions."

Twiggy, who earned her name thanks to her stick-like figure, has graced the cover of just about every fashion magazine imaginable, including Harper's Bazaar, Seventeen, Vogue and many other titles past and present.

J. Alexander also began his career as a model, but later transitioned into a runway coach who's much in demand for casting and training models for designers such as Valentino, Bill Blass and Chanel.

Photographer Nigel Barker, meanwhile, will be returning to give his advice to Top Model's next round of aspiring fashionistas.

Banks, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, will be upping her small-screen hours this fall, adding a daytime talk show hosting gig to her Top Model duties.

Earlier this month, Naima Mora became the fourth Top Model winner, following in the footsteps of season three's Eva Pigford, season two's Yoanna House and season one's Adrienne Curry.

America's Next Top Model has become UPN's biggest hit, averaging 5 million weekly viewers during the fourth season. The show is currently casting for the fifth season.

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