Student Tabea Weyrauch has been chosen as the winner of the RTÉ Two reality series 'The Model Scouts'.
The 17-year-old, who was born in Germany and has lived in Derry since the age of six, beat Aisling O'Connell from Castleisland in Kerry and Ellen Flanagan from Sandymount in Dublin in the final on Tuesday night on RTÉ Two.
Weyrauch wins an exclusive contract with IMG Models, the world's biggest modelling agency, and will be the cover star of the first 2011 issue of the Sunday Independent's Life magazine and the Spring/Summer face of A|wear.
Commenting on her win, she said: "I'm overjoyed at winning. I've been given the opportunity of a lifetime. If I'm honest, I didn't expect to win given all the other amazing girls in the competition.
She continued: "I'm surprised how much this experience has changed me. I've grown up a lot in a short period of time. It's hard for me to choose a favourite moment, as I value every step of the journey. I particularly loved being able to visit so many amazing cities and meeting so many important people within the fashion industry.
"Having been signed by the world's top model agency, all I want to do now is get on with being a professional model. I love working with [judges] Jeni [Rose] and David [Cunningham]. They are so down to earth, they're more like supportive mentors than scary judges! They have taught me so much about the fashion industry and helped me develop myself into a model.
"I am very grateful to RTÉ and Sideline Productions for having made the show and changing my life."
Rose, who along with Cunningham is a Vice-President of International Development at IMG Models, said: "We are extremely proud of our winner Tabea Weyrauch. She is poised to have a career that most girls could only dream about.
"Not only is Tabea spectacularly beautiful she is also wise beyond her 17 years. During the often long and arduous filming schedule Tabea's professionalism and keen focus never wavered. Not once did she take her eye off of the target.
"Throughout the process many of the girls looked backward at what they felt they might miss out on at home if they were to become international models.
"It was solely Tabea who never looked from side to side nor backward but rather continually forward toward what she imagined this new life could be.
"David and I and all of IMG Models are thrilled to begin guiding and nurturing Tabea on this exciting journey she is set to embark on."
