Put a bunch of girls together in a house, dangle a $100,000 modelling contract in front of them, and chances are you’ll get a fistful of bitchiness, a handful of tears and a good helping of back-stabbing.
“You can’t have models without it,” agrees Jay Manuel, America’s Next Top Model’s favourite creative director and the new host of Canada’s Next Top Model. “Unfortunately, it’s a cold, cliquish business, but everybody wants to be a part of it. The show offers people a backdoor glimpse into the industry.”
Open that door and you’ll find that the perceived glamour, expensive clothes and jetsetting lifestyle aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. As viewers judge the contestants from their couches, models try to pose while balancing in dresses on an elephant—proving that looking beautiful at the same time really is a challenge.
With former host Tricia Helfer stepping down to concentrate on her acting career and Manuel taking the reins, CNTM’s second cycle (airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Citytv, beginning at the end of May) promises to be more nail biting, and Manuel says he will be bringing noted industry talent and friends to the show.
“I’m actually going to look for the ‘Jay Manuel’ of Canada,” he laughs. “With the first cycle of CNTM, we didn’t really define that character, and my role on the show is to be that person who helps guide the girls through the various challenges. Tyra showed up on photoshoots; I’m going to show up on challenges. I’m not just going to be that person who intros the show and shows up at judging.”
Manuel’s star certainly has risen since both shows aired. Now based in New York, he was raised in the decidedly unglamorous suburb of Scarborough, Ontario, and started his career as a makeup artist. He climbed the ladder by working with some of the most noted celebrities, models and photographers in the industry, including the late Francesco Scavullo, who once told Manuel, “I would not have a picture without you.” It may be a little hard to believe he was once pre-med at New York University, but excelling at science would later help Manuel launch his own makeup line, Manual Override.
ANTM built his fashion cred. Now, along with hosting Style Her Famous, Manuel is a member of E!’s red-carpet Fashion Police. How does he do it? “I always give the nice answer all the time, but it’s very, very hard some days. It is challenging, but I enjoy it.”
Then there’s the matter of national pride. “If you think about it, a lot of the top models in the world come from Canada. They go somewhere else, and someone else claims them. For me, it’s really important to show how amazing the talent is here, not only in terms of models but also the other talent we’re bringing on the show.”
Also read: Face Time: Yasmin Warsame
FASHION chats with Yasmin Warsame, superstar model and a new judge on Canada’s Next Top Model.
First published in FASHION Magazine May 2007
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Michael writes:
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!
—posted April 26, 2007 at 9:52 a.m.
Ty writes:
Im estatic to see Jay Manuel host CNTM. I think thats really what the show needs. But, I hope he sticks to it from cycle to cyle. Not like other top models where they have a new host every few years.
—posted May 2, 2007 at 10:28 p.m.
Jessica writes:
Cool. I LOVE Jay!!! I think he's so talented. It's about time he spiced up the Canadian version!! Last year's sucked. Can't wait to see the show.
—posted May 5, 2007 at 2 p.m.
amanda writes:
jay is the best, his so hot and cute i would love to meet him one day hahaha well thats all i really got to say take care love yeah lots jay
amanda
—posted May 7, 2007 at 5:39 p.m.
erica writes:
Jay is awesome. Great article on him! Can't wait to see the show.
—posted May 10, 2007 at 2:08 p.m.
bethany p writes:
I really enjoyed reading this piece. He seems really genuine and approachable. He's come a long way since living in Scarborough!!!!
—posted May 10, 2007 at 2:11 p.m.
Betty writes:
I am sooooo glad that he's the host of season 2! He really knows the industry well in every aspect he has so much experience and he's been for so long on ANTM! It's amazing that he'll be the host & I really hope that there won't be any other hosts!
—posted May 10, 2007 at 2:38 p.m.
twoony writes:
I would love to meet you. You are so talented, much love & respect. From Grande Prairie Alberta!!!!!!
—posted May 23, 2007 at 11:15 a.m.
Charmaine writes:
I think that you help give people like me inspiration to try to better ourselves and give us a chance to relate to these everyday people on canada's next top model, who are none other then people the same as you and I. I live in a small town in Newfoundland which is a bit far from where you originate but the show that you host continues to give me hope that one day I can participate in such an adventure. Thank you Jay you are much admired. xoxo
—posted May 27, 2007 at 3:20 p.m.
rain writes:
I've known Jay personally for a long time. What you see is pretty well what you get. Folks, he's always been awesome - and he's always had a clear vision for himself.
—posted May 28, 2007 at 11:12 a.m.
Joelle writes:
Wicked article, very interesting and well written..kudos to the author :)
—posted May 28, 2007 at 3:12 p.m.
Clive Manuel writes:
Greetings from South Africa Jay.
I have been following you during the seasons of ANTM second season showing in South Africa, and you do a great job with these girls. You are amazing, I am looking for one word in the THESAURUS and OXFORD English reference books that describes your Beauty.
Keep smiling and may your days always be surrounded by love and goodness. Hope to see you someday here in Sunny South Africa.
—posted June 1, 2007 at 7:31 a.m.
sarena writes:
What a cutie!!!!
Great article on JAY. Very informative and well written.
—posted June 22, 2007 at 7:26 a.m.
Lee Lee writes:
Amazing article!
Jay makes this season a lot more interesting than the last host.
Keep up the great work Toni Marie
xo
—posted June 22, 2007 at 8:49 p.m.
Sayra writes:
Hi Jay - I just wanna say I watch every single ANTM and CNTM when you're on. I would love to meet you one day.
—posted January 14, 2008 at 9:35 a.m.
Debbie writes:
I was so disapointed with the results of CNTM, I'm still crying for Lindsay. Come on Jay, be honest and give us your personal opinion on who should have been chosen,keep in mind women are tired of skinny,blond and blue eyes, Lindsay fits a Canadian look and she should really have won.
—posted July 26, 2009 at 7:49 p.m.
Dana writes:
Jay- I wanna thank u for everything u do, u let beleive that everyone is special and beautiful .and your smile so.......
—posted August 2, 2009 at 9:06 a.m.
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