Britain's Missing Top Model

Last updated

Britain's Missing Top Model
Missing top model.png
Judges Wayne Hemingway
Lara Masters
Marie O'Riordan
Mark Summers
Narrated by Joe Duttine
Country of originUnited Kingdom
No. of series1
No. of episodes6
Production
Running time60 minutes
Release
Original network BBC Three
Original release1 July (2008-07-01) 
30 July 2008 (2008-07-30)

Britain's Missing Top Model is a British Reality TV modelling show for disabled women, aired on BBC Three. The premiere episode aired on 1 July 2008. The show courted controversy, with many arguing that the show made disability a spectator event.[ citation needed ]

Contents

The show followed eight young women with disabilities, who competed for a modelling contract (which included a photo shoot with Rankin and a cover photo in Marie Claire ). One of the contestants, Sophie Morgan, had already appeared on another reality TV show, Beyond Boundaries , in 2005. The series aired over a period of five weeks. The women lived together and competed in a series of challenges and photo shoots. Each week, at least one contestant was sent home.

The winner of the competition was 23-year-old Kelly Knox.

Episode guide

Promotional photograph of the cast of Britain's Missing Top Model BMTM.jpg
Promotional photograph of the cast of Britain's Missing Top Model

Episode 1

Original Airdate: 1 July 2008

The eight women met up in the penthouse where they would be living. Jonathan Phang met them and gave them their first outfits: a white vest, shorts and trainers, simple hair and make-up, to show their shape. They met up with the judges and they were asked questions. They were told their first task was called "Objects of desire" – an haute couture shoot, which involved being photographed seated in a chaise longue with an object that represented how they feel about their disabilities. They went to a market to search for their objects.

After the photoshoot, the girls lined up on Trafalgar Square and their photos were shown on a big screen for everyone to see. Sophie commented that this was why her accident happened; so she can do things like this.

After the photoshoot, the women returned home to find a buffet had been laid out for them. Jessica was questioned why she didn't drink. She replied that she wanted to always have control of her body. She then got emotional that her disability will ultimately kill her. The other women were sympathetic yet also apathetic about their own views on their own disabilities; Kelly said "I don't give a fucking shit!" about her missing forearm. Sophie didn't want to dwell on disability and wanted to enjoy the evening.

When the judges saw the pictures, they questioned Lilli about how she would cope being a model and being deaf. This angered her as they never asked personal questions regarding being deaf to Kellie, the only other deaf contestant.

Episode 2

Original Airdate: 8 July 2008

The first task was to be a lingerie window model in a lingerie shop. The response was positive from the public. However, Sophie complained that Kellie, one of the deaf contestants, did not look disabled, that she had "big boobs, big arse, a body that's great," whereas she's a paraplegic and looks disabled. Jonathan Phang, their mentor, invited himself round to dinner, and purposefully did not bring a sign language interpreter, his reason being that Kellie and Lilli have to be able to cope without an interpreter if they were models, which upset them both.

The second task given was a casting challenge to win the opportunity to show Louis Mariette's hats at a fashion show. Each model was given one of Mariette's hats to pose in and was asked questions, like in a beauty pageant. Kellie won, which displeased Sophie as Kellie was able to pose in different positions and she couldn't pose as much, and using Kellie is not the same as using a disabled model as the only difference is language: "It's the same as picking someone who speaks French"

That night, they all went out to party, except Jessica who needs to sleep because of her ME(her disability).

The next morning, they were phoned by the casting location to be there in half an hour. This was to test their punctuality when they need to be at a casting call quickly. Debbie, Kelly, Sophie and Jenny all rushed ahead to get a taxi, leaving Jessica, Lilli and Kellie to get to the location themselves. Lilli and Kellie were annoyed that the others didn't take the time to explain what was happening, but Debbie was insistent that she was being clear. Jonathan Pang wasn't happy with their lack of cooperation. They each took it in turn to be interviewed by a casting director, and modelled an item of clothing.

A 1950s pin-up photoshoot followed, where the photos would be judged. The photoshoot was 1950s pin-up, the task that their photos would be judged by the judges. The scenarios of the models' photoshoots were as follows:

At the end of the day, when the women sat at the table, Kellie and Lilli brought earplugs for the others to help them understand what it's like to be deaf. They sat around and had to mouth their speech, which proved difficult for them to understand each other.

The judges announced that 2 people would be eliminated. The judges were presented with 1950s pin-up photos. When they met the judges, Lilli was upset yet again at their feedback – they told her she should tone up her belly.

Episode 3

Original Airdate: 15 July 2008

This task was a catwalk. They met with a choreographer who taught them how to walk. He paid close attention to how to help Sophie move her wheelchair in a model-like fashion. Sophie got upset as she missed walking and dancing. It proved difficult for Jenny also as her ataxia makes it difficult to walk, let alone walk in stilettos. Jessica spent part of her time there asleep due to her ME. They were also given a selection of outfits that they would model on the catwalk. They were each given a new hairstyle as well. They were also given MP3 players with the music they would walk to, which had to be put on the loudest possible volume for Kellie, who's deaf, so she could feel the vibrations. Jenny also got upset as she found the catwalk difficult due to her ataxia making her body shake; "My body won't do what I tell it to do."

At the catwalk, the judges and Jonathan Phang (mentor) were in the audience, as well as family members and friends. Jenny wore flat shoes so she could walk easier. Kellie missed her cue as the director had forgotten about her and didn't let her know when to go. Afterwards, Jenny talked to Mark Summers, one of the judges, and jokingly grinded and flirted with him.

At the judging part, this was used against her and Mark asked her if that was appropriate behaviour towards him. Jenny apologised for her behaviour, but replied that she knows she is a flirty person. Jenny also said to Jessica that she couldn't do this. Jessica was understandably upset by this, but Sophie backed Jenny's comment by saying that Jenny wasn't niggling over her shoulder, but questioning whether it was possible for her because of her conditions as she needs sleep, which was proved at the training. Jessica replied that she is getting better. When the girls left so the judges could decide, Jenny exclaimed that Jessica was "a fucking child", and "she's not getting any better, she's faking it!"

Episode 4

Original Airdate: 22 July 2008

This task featured male models Daniel Lake, Tommy Maxwell, Matthew McDonough and Eric Monjoin. For the first part each contestant was paired up with a male model and had to hug and touch each other to get used to the closeness for the photoshoots. The second part was a challenge set by Alenka. The challenge was for each couple to star in an advert, advertising a fake brand ice cream, Pang's Ice cream (names after Jonathan Pang, their mentor). Kellie struggled the most as she was told to speak, when she was more comfortable signing. She argued that British Sign Language is her language and Sophie was allowed her wheelchair on the catwalk task, why shouldn't she be allowed to sign? By learning that models used in adverts are sometimes dubbed, she did two adverts – she spoke in one, and signed in the other. Jessica slept through most of the rehearsal due to her ME.

The contestants and the male models returned to the penthouse where they were treated to a chocolate fountain. Jessica felt embarrassed about how Sophie and Kelly loudly pointed out she was a lesbian, which she felt was unnecessary. Kellie got upset that she wasn't following the conversation with the others and left.

At the photoshoot, the women were photographed with their partners in an old house. Sophie had to be carried by her partner up the stairs as there was no lift. The photographs are as follows:

After the photoshoot, Phang treats them to eat at a posh restaurant. Jessica compares her disabilities to Kellie and Sophie's disabilities and lists the things she can't do, which is quickly pointed out by Sophie. Jessica explains that she needs to prove her disability to other people, to get help. Sophie doesn't like how Jessica desires to be labelled and to be recognised as disabled, which ends in Sophie telling her, "Stop feeling sorry for yourself!"

The judges commented on Kellie's picture that she looked uneasy and uncomfortable in her picture. They equally told Kelly that her appearance was cold.

Episode 5

Original Airdate: 29 July 2008

The episode was split into 2 rounds. The first round was a photo shoot at an East London housing estate. The photographer made sure that their disabilities were hidden; Kelly was positioned so her missing forearm was hidden, Sophie was out of her wheelchair, and Jessica took off her wrist splints. The photos are as follows:

During the photoshoot, Kelly complained that there's nothing wrong with Jessica as she held the watering can with no problem. Jessica slept for some of the time due to her ME, but when she awoke, the zip from her jacket left an imprint on her face and needed make up to cover that.

In the evening, the girls accompanied Jonathan Phang at a ball, acting as ambassadors for the disabled modelling cause. Kelly didn't eat much and became drunk after Phang left. She leapt onto a bush and threw up. Sophie was unimpressed as they were acting as ambassadors and Kelly was not representing the cause well.

The judges looked at the photos. Lara Masters, who is a wheelchair user herself, was upset at how the photographer had hidden their disabilities, but the other judges dismissed her comment, stating that not all the photos have to show their disabilities. Mark Summers commented about Jessica holding the watering can. Without her wrist splints, Jessica's hands are paralysed, but she showed how her fingers naturally curled up and she was able to hold the watering can by her fingers. When she was asked how much sleep she needs (which had been an issue through the series) she replied that there is no telling when she needs to sleep.

When Jessica was eliminated, she said she would 'rule the world' one day.

The final challenge was a monochrome nude photoshoot. Kelly let the photographer tell her what to do; which resulted in her photo being of her kneeling on a couch, just being made apparent that her forearm is missing. Sophie made suggestions of what she could do, and her photo was of her sitting on the floor with her foot on the wheel of her wheelchair.

Episode 6

Original Airdate: 5 June 2008

In this episode, Kelly had a photo shoot with Rankin, and the photos were assessed by individuals from Marie Claire magazine. The episode also contained interviews with the 7 other contestants, recapping on their best and worst moments throughout the series.

Contestants

(ages stated are at time of contest)

ContestantAgeHometownDisablement(s)Other InformationRank
Rebecca Le'gon [1] 27 Colchester, Essex, EnglandLeg amputeeBorn without a left hip and a short left leg.
She wears a prosthetic leg and uses a walking stick
8th
Lilli Risner [2] 20 London, England Deaf Born deaf. Uses British Sign Language 7th/6th
Debbie van der Putten [3] 22 Helmond, The Netherlands Arm amputeeLost her right arm in a bus accident
Jenny Johnston [4] 22 Seattle, Washington, United States Ataxia Caused by a car accident in her teens.
Wore a cast on her left arm (unrelated to her disability) throughout the series
5th
Kellie Moody [5] 23 Leicester, Leicestershire, EnglandDeafBorn deaf. Uses British Sign Language and speech4th
Jessica Kellgren-Hayes [6] 19 Bristol, England Deaf, HNPP, MCTD, POTS,
ME
, blind in left eye,
and no feeling left side of face.
Wears wrist splints and uses a wheelchair for long distances.
Uses Sign Supported English and speech.
3rd
Sophie Morgan [7] 23 Brighton, EnglandParaplegicCaused by a car accident in her teensRunner-up
Kelly Knox [8] 23 Enfield, Greater London, EnglandMissing forearmBorn missing a left forearmWinner

Summaries

Call-out Order

Mark's Call-out Order
OrderEpisodes
12345
1KellieKellieKellySophieKellyKelly
2JessicaJessicaKellieKellySophieSophie
3KellyKellySophieJessicaJessica
4DebbieJennyJessicaKellie
5JennySophieJenny
6SophieDebbie
7LilliLilli
8Rebecca
  The contestant was eliminated
  The contestant won the competition

Makeovers

The hair makeovers were administered by Lino Carbosiero at the Daniel Galvin Salon.

International broadcasts

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Britains Next Top Model</i> (series 2) Season of television series

Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 2 was the second cycle of Britain's Next Top Model and the second series aired on LIVINGtv.

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 2) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel Season 2 is a season of German reality TV show Germany's Next Topmodel (GNTM). The season began airing on 1 March 2007, with commercial presentation by Opel Tigra Twin Top and Staatl. Fachingen. The show helped promote the modelling careers of both finalist Hana Nitsche and winner Barbara Meier, with the former working as a lingerie model for Victoria's Secret and the latter working in high fashion. The international destinations for this season were set in St. Moritz, Cape Town, Bangkok and Los Angeles.

<i>Britains Next Top Model</i> (series 3) Season of television series

Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 3 was the third cycle of Britain's Next Top Model and the third series aired on Living.

<i>Britains Next Top Model</i> (series 5) Season of television series

Britain's Next Top Model, Cycle 5 is the fifth cycle of Britain's Next Top Model and the fifth cycle to air on Living. With an increased budget, Cycle 5 claims to be "bigger, better and more high-fashion than ever before."

<i>Ty - supermodel</i> (season 4) Season of television series

Ty - supermodel, Cycle 4 was the fourth and final cycle of the Russian reality show on the STS TV channel, featuring a competition among non-professional aspiring models. The host was presenter Svetlana Bondarchuk, the wife of Fyodor Bondarchuk, who presented the first two cycles of the series.

Kelly Knox is a British fashion model. She has been voted one of the most influential disabled people in the UK, and is one of the few fashion models in the world with a physical disability. Knox became one of the first models with a disability to star at London Fashion Week in 2017.

<i>New Zealands Next Top Model</i> (season 1) Season of television series

New Zealand's Next Top Model, Season 1 is the original season of New Zealand's Next Top Model which is a reality TV show based on America's Next Top Model. Thirteen young women compete for the title and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry. The catchphrase for this season is "Our Turn To Turn Heads".

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 5) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel, Cycle 5 is the fifth season of the show that was aired on the German television network ProSieben. The show started airing on 4 March 2010. In difference to former seasons the show saw a significant change as the audition process was completely open this time whereas every model-wannabe got a chance to audition in front of the jury led by Heidi Klum. The winner was 19-year-old Alisar Ailabouni from Schalchen.

<i>New Zealands Next Top Model</i> (season 2) Season of television series

New Zealand's Next Top Model, Season 2 is the second season of New Zealand's Next Top Model, a reality TV show based on America's Next Top Model. Auditions started on 5 June 2010 in Auckland and ended on 13 June 2010 in Tauranga. Fourteen young women compete for the title of New Zealand's Top Model for a chance to start their career in modelling.

<i>Koreas Next Top Model</i> (season 2) Season of television series

Korea's Next Top Model, season 2 is the second season of the Korean reality television show in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of Korea's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modelling industry.

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 8) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel, Cycle 8 is the eighth season of Germany's Next Topmodel, and it airs on the German television network ProSieben. The show began to air on 28 February 2013 under the catch phrase Closer than ever. Due to a decrease in ratings for the show, several changes were done. For the first time the show was produced by RedSeven GmbH, who were also previously producing Austria's Next Topmodel. Fashion photographer Enrique Badulescu joined the panel along with Thomas Hayo, who became the first judge - aside from Klum - since Peyman Amin returned for a third time to the show.

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 11) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel, cycle 11 was the eleventh cycle of Germany's Next Topmodel. It aired on ProSieben from February to May 2016.

<i>Indias Next Top Model</i> (season 2) Season of television series

India's Next Top Model, season 2 is the second installment of India's Next Top Model. It premiered on MTV India on 10 July 2016 at 7:00 pm IST (UTC+5:30). Eleven finalists were chosen to compete for the show. Lisa Haydon reprised her role as the host/head judge along with judge Dabboo Ratnani, and mentor Neeraj Gaba.

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 12) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel, cycle 12 is the twelfth cycle of Germany's Next Topmodel. It aired on ProSieben from February to May 2017.

<i>Mongolias Next Top Model</i> (season 1) Season of television series

The first cycle of Mongolia's Next Top Model is a reality television show based on the American franchise America's Next Top Model in which a number of aspiring models compete for the title of Mongolia's Next Top Model and a chance to start their career in the modeling industry in Mongolia and internationally. The Show is featured and produced on Edutainment TV, co-produced by Sodgerel Ulziikhutag. Host and judges are former model Nora Dagva, actor Orgil Makhaan and Nansalmaa Tumur.

<i>Indias Next Top Model</i> (season 3) Season of television series

India's Next Top Model, season 3 is the third installment of India's Next Top Model which premiered October 21st, 2017, at 7:00 pm IST (UTC+5:30) on MTV India. The season 3 judges were Malaika Arora, Milind Soman and Dabboo Ratnani.

<i>Germanys Next Topmodel</i> (season 13) Season of television series

Germany's Next Topmodel, cycle 13 aired on ProSieben from February 2018.

<i>Mongolias Next Top Model</i> (season 2) Season of television series

The second season of Mongolia's Next Top Model premiered on 6 October 2018 on Edutainment TV. This is the second season of the series to be hosted model Nora Dagva.

Germany's Next Topmodel, cycle 17 is the seventeenth cycle of Germany's Next Topmodel. It aired on ProSieben from February 3, 2022. For the fourth straight year, only the host herself appeared in the judges panel, as one or more guest judges were featured for each episode.

The seventh season of Greece's Next Top Model, premiered on September 19, 2022 and is the fifth season to air on Star Channel. Vicky Kaya returned as the show's head judge after marking her absence in the previous cycle. The season introduced a diverse all-female cast.

References

  1. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Rebecca Le'gon". BBC.
  2. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Lilli". BBC.
  3. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Debbie". BBC.
  4. "Jenny's BBC Profile". Archived from the original on 23 August 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  5. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Kellie". BBC.
  6. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Jessica". BBC.
  7. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Sophie". BBC.
  8. "BBC - Britain's Missing Top Model - Meet the Models - Kelly". BBC.
  9. Stanley, Alessandra (30 November 2009). "Disabled, and Seeking Acceptance in Fashion". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  10. "ABC2 Programming Airdate: Britain's Missing Top Model (episode one)". ABC Television Publicity. Retrieved 16 March 2011.