Following seven series of Britain’s Next Top Model, it quickly became apparent that the final four is where all of the fun begins. It is at this point that the elaborate surprise trips to luxurious destinations, designer couture, sizzling male models, A-list celebrity guests all come into play. Although technically there were five contestants left in the competition last night, there is little to say about Anastasija as her passport mishap prevented her from going to Miami.
With the prize of a modelling contract with top international agency Models 1; a six-page fashion editorial along with an appearance on the cover of fashion magazine Company; a £100,000 cosmetics contract with Revlon; a trip to Sandals Resorts Jamaica; an international fashion campaign with respected high-street brand Miss Selfridge, and a new Peugeot RCZ all at the models fingertips – it is hardly surprising that some of the contestants are starting to crumble under the pressure.
It was such a shame that Anastasjia couldn’t hop aboard the flight to Miami after the amazing Paul Percival dyed her hideous pink locks back to a golden shade of blonde (What was Elle thinking during make-over week?). It seemed that things just went from bad to worse for Russian born model, who failed to impress the judges including the ever-so-stylish Olivia Palermo with her beauty shot.
As expected Juste’s natural good looks and perfectly symmetrical face wowed the Revlon marketing manager Cathy O’Connor, bagging herself a place at London Fashion Week. It came as a bit of a surprise when Jade was announced as a joint winner of the beauty shoot. I thought Imogen’s face was more striking and mesmerizing, but yet she rarely seems to receive praise or recognition from the judging panel.
Jade came joint first with Juste in the beauty shoot
As the girls rolled up to the glorious Fountainebleau Miami Beach hotel in a plush car, they were greeted by the hotel manager who informed them that they would be staying in the presidential penthouse suite (I wonder if it was the same room that Obama stayed in?). While an excited Jessica explored their new abode, it wasn’t long until the models discovered a mail from Elle floating in the private pool. Unlike previous series were the fancy trip part is to remind the contestants that it is all work and no play, Elle actually instructed the girls to have a relaxing day off (what has got into her?).
As four hunky men appeared out of the perfectly blue seat to engage in a bout of volleyball with the four bikini clad models, I felt like I was watching a classic episode of Baywatch. It didn’t take long until the fun and games came to a close as the girls arrived at Magic City Farm for a shoot with a delicious male model – yes it could only be the gorgeous Charlie Speed!
I was extremely intrigued to see how Imogen and Charlie would interact with each other on the shoot. I was half hoping for some cringey flirty banter again, but in fact the opposite happened. Imogen looked awkward and uncomfortable on the shoot, almost as if she was over-thinking her every move. Her stiffness meant that she had only a few strong shots to work with. Could her nerves eventually become her downfall?
Juste the star of the show had a great variation of poses and facial expressions. As always she took direction extremely well, and had a terrific presence while on camera (it’s a shame the same can’t be said off camera!). On the other hand, poor Jade struggled in the intense heat and felt lethargic making for some rather “vile” shots, in the words of Grace Woodward who was inspired by Katie Price. Although the judges recognised that she has a beautiful face, they felt that she just wasn’t bringing her A-game.
Juste rocked the photo shoot
Jessica surprised everyone with her confidence and seductive posing; however I had to agree with the editor of Company magazine when she said that she looked too old for a predominatly teenage magazine. Following a bitchy discussion about how Anastasija deserves to be sent home, it was time for the best guest judge to date, Olivia Palmero, to make her debut.
It was quite an intense elimination round this week, as each of the girls were accessed individually by the scrutinizing panel. Olivia’s persona as the stylish socialite who spares no ones feelings rang through when she was confronted with Jessica who she stated had “broad shoulders.” Imogen was later told that her “hands” were rubbish in the beauty shot, while Jade was forced into tears over the negative comments she received.
Are we even surprised that Olivia told Juste that her photo inspired her and could be made into a double spread editorial? Even Charlie pitched in that she was by far the most professional and best to work with on the day. As much as Juste deserves to win, I still think that Jade could be a strong contender. Hopefully, Elle won’t let us down and let the first Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model be so predictable!
Next week: The girls continue to be thrown into the Miami lifestyle, while there is still no sign of Anastasjia. There is a surprise waiting for the models at the photo shoot with a fine set of razor teeth, while another celebrity guest makes a cameo.
Not to be missed!
Laura Delaney
