We caught up with Charley Speed to ask him about the new series of 'Britain's Next Top Model', what attributes he looks for in a model, his career thus far and plans for the future.
Sarah McIntyre: So did you jump at the chance of working on Britain’s Next Top Model when you were offered the job?
Charley Speed: Oh god yeah, I mean it’s a real privilege to be asked to be honest. Especially with the new panel and how the bar’s been raised this year, it’s really exciting.
SMI: So what do you think that you’ll bring to the judging panel this year?
CS: Essentially, part of the reason that I agreed to do it was because it was such an amazing opportunity but it was mainly it was trying to bring my experience as a model to the girls. And try to give them a realistic view of what it’s like and what they can expect, and what to do and not to do and how they can achieve what they really want to achieve.
SMI: You’ve worked with a lot of models through the years. What would you personally look for in a top model, and what attributes would turn you off a model?
CS: I think that what’s really important, I can’t stress this enough, is health. Be healthy. You need to eat well and you need to exercise and you need to look after yourself because those are the people that really glow. And those are the people who really stand out. There’s a lot of very tall, beautiful, amazing looking people but being healthy is so important. And obviously confidence is very important, but there’s a massive difference between confidence and arrogance. So have a thick skin, because of course there’s people that will criticise you, but at the same time don’t be bitter, be strong with it, and just take it on board. And I think it’s terrible for a model to walk into an audition with a massive arrogance, and negativity around them. Some places you can have an amazing portfolio, and in some ways you can get away with it to a certain extent, but remember that if these people don’t want to work with you that’s not a big issue for them because there’s plenty more models who will fill your place.
SMI: You got your big break when you starred in a Calvin Klein campaign with Kate Moss. What did it feel like to be catapulted to that sort of global fame while in your teens?
CS: It was kind of amazing! Truth be told, before I was entered into the competition unbeknownst to me I hadn’t really focused on fashion very much. I suppose it wasn’t like we could afford to buy trainers or stuff when I was in school so I just switched off, and I was quite happy with who I was. So going from one extreme of it not being involved with it to being at the pinnacle was amazing, and I suppose just the whole process of being flown to New York, getting driven to you shoots, shooting in the biggest best studio in New York City. And of course working with Kate, it was an amazing experience. And it’s the travelling that I really value in this industry, all the people you get to meet, it’s such a great education.
SMI: It seems modelling chose you rather than you choosing modelling - it wasn’t your aspiration from when you were young?
CS: No I have to be honest it wasn’t, but then at the same time when I started experiencing it, it was amazing! And I couldn’t recommend it enough, you just have to work hard at it, and be aware of what it takes and just stick with it for a long time. You know, there’s a lot of competition out there and I suppose, I fell into it just at the right time, I was very lucky. My look was just right for that time, slim build was coming in. so yeah it was great, absolutely fantastic.
SMI: So what do you think are the best and worst parts of being a model?
CS: The best part is working with some amazingly creative people, travelling the world for free and just experiencing the world. And some of the most difficult times for me when I was younger, when you go on the show circuit and you get sent away and you pack your bags and you’re lumped in with a whole load of people you don’t know, and you have to learn to live with people whether you like them or not. There are tough aspects I suppose to the industry when you’re a lot younger and that can be quite daunting. Much like actors, you go to a lot of auditions and you have to be strong and be prepared for a lot of knockbacks. You’re not going to get every job you go for. But if you really love it and it’s a genuine passion for you, you’ll stick with it.
SMI: Do you think there are a lot of differences between how male and female models are treated in the industry? Do you think it’s easier for a male model to make it, that there’s less competition?
CS: It’s one industry where I’m pretty sure that at real top end of it, the girls get paid more than the blokes. But it’s much much more competitive on the women’s side of it. Mentally they have to be even stronger. To be honest, on the guys side, they generally have a laugh with it, and it’s not taken quite as seriously, because there’s a thing about being a guy, and a model. So I think the guys have a laugh about it, I’m not saying the girls can’t. But yes I think it’s much more competitive on the girls side.
SMI: Do you have any plans to branch out in any other areas once the show’s over?
CS: Possibly, I’m very focused on this show right now. I’d love to do it again it‘s been a great experience. At the moment my focus is on the show, and hopefully continuing with it. I think the level’s been raised so much higher this year from what I’ve seen in previous years. Just the calibre of the girls is at such a high level. The quality of the shoots and the diverseness of them and the guests they’ve had on, it’s really really big.
The new series of Britain's Next Top Model launches on Monday July 5th at 9pm on Living.
