Britain's Next Top Model's Dark Legacy Uncovered in Netflix Exposé
This week, Tyra Banks' legacy has come under intense scrutiny following revelations from a new Netflix series, Reality Check, which exposes a series of scandals from America's Next Top Model. The documentary features former contestants and judges, including Tyra herself, delving into allegations of racism, fat-shaming, and a sexual assault cover-up. Launched in 2003, ANTM quickly became a ratings sensation, spawning 50 international versions, including Britain's Next Top Model (BNTM), which debuted in 2005 and ran for 12 cycles before being cancelled in 2017.
Toxic Behaviour Mirrored in UK Spin-Off
BNTM closely followed the format of its American counterpart, even replicating its toxic environment. Not even the show's most successful alumna, Abbey Clancy, was spared from the judges' harsh critiques. During her appearance on cycle two, photographer Nicky Johnston infamously branded her a 'fat porn star'. In a 2016 interview, Abbey recalled the incident, stating she was lying in snow in a bikini while Nicky shouted insults. Although this moment was not broadcast, other cruel comments were shown, such as Nicky telling Abbey, 'you want to f**k me, darling? Because I don't want to f**k you!'
Abbey, who finished second but later returned as a judge, insisted there was no ill will, attributing the remarks to Scouser sarcasm. However, not all insults were perceived as harmless. Judges like Nicky and fashion stylist Grace Woodward made degrading comments about contestants, with one girl's photo prompting Nicky to say, 'Delete her'. In season four, models were forced to photograph each other's 'worst features', using terms like 'muffin handles' and 'flabby arms' to describe UK size 6 contestant Alex Evans.
Unsafe Shoots and Emotional Distress
Contestants also reported feeling unsafe during provocative lingerie shoots. In season six, models like Joy McLaren and Kirsty Parsons were instructed to caress each other while straddling a male model they had just met, with Joy calling it 'creepy' and Kirsty deeming it 'difficult'. Nicola Wright expressed discomfort after writhing in bed with a male model in underwear that kept coming undone, saying she 'didn't feel very safe'. Harleen Kaur Nottay felt 'degraded' when asked to remove her robe, citing her Sikh beliefs, while Amelia Thomas described the shoot as feeling like 'one big orgy'.
Hannah Goodeve was so distressed she rang her mother in tears, ultimately quitting the competition to pursue teaching English. Susan Loughnane, another season six contestant, claimed she was 'victimised' after being told her movements were 'corpse-like' during a casting, leading to her immediate elimination. She later said the experience was 'really cruel' and left her fighting back tears.
Eating Disorder Controversies
BNTM sparked further controversy by casting Jade McSorley, a model actively suffering from anorexia. At age 20, Jade weighed less than seven stone and had been hospitalised for her condition just a year prior. During a nude shoot, she confessed to feeling self-conscious about her body. Judge Lisa Snowdon defended the decision, stating that appearing on the show was having a positive influence on Jade, helping her 'love herself'. Jade explained she didn't want to promote an unhealthy image but acknowledged her ongoing battle with anorexia.
Season five's Sophie Sumner also revealed she suffered from an eating disorder during her time on the show, describing a vicious cycle of binge-eating and purging that left her 'miserable'. She attributed her poor body image to starting modelling at age 15, with her booker advising her to 'keep an eye on your hips'. Sophie's party-girl persona and drinking habits further exacerbated her low self-esteem.
Exclusion of Plus Size Models
In contrast to America's Next Top Model, which featured plus size winner Whitney Thompson, BNTM judge Julien Macdonald insisted no plus size models would be allowed, calling it 'a serious show'. He argued that including a size 14 model in a room of size eights was 'setting them up for a fall', reflecting the industry's harsh standards. This stance highlighted the show's lack of inclusivity and perpetuated harmful beauty ideals.
The revelations from Reality Check underscore the dark underbelly of reality TV, with Britain's Next Top Model serving as a stark example of how toxic cultures can thrive behind the scenes. For support related to eating disorders, contact BEAT Eating Disorders at 0808 801 0677 or help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
