Rita Ora is the new host of ‘America’s next top Model’

RITA Ora (pic) has been tapped to host the new iteration of America’s Next Top Model, Variety has learned.

The British singer and actress steps into the role following Tyra Banks, as the show is heading from the CW to VH1.

Banks is still on board as an executive producer, and will make surprise appearances throughout the season.

The fresh judges’ panel will be comprised of plus-size supermodel and body activist Ashley Graham, Paper Magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliott and celebrity stylist Law Roach.

The new take on America’s Next Top Model is heavily inspired by the original show, but has evolved to “appeal to a new audience” and “reflect the modelling industry today”, according to VH1.

After running 12 years and 22 cycles on the CW and its predecessor UPN, America’s Next Top Model was cancelled by the CW last October and ended its run on the network in December 2015.

Soon after, VH1 picked up the long-running series, and announced that Banks would not be serving as host.

Banks co-created the global Top Model franchise with Ken Mok, who will also return as exec producer at VH1.

Banks was recently announced to be an on-camera mentor on NBC’s upcoming business entrepreneur reality competition Funded.

As for Ora, her past on-camera experience includes being a coach on BBC’s The Voice and serving as a judge on ITV’s The X-Factor.

In the music world, she has a number one album and four number one singles in Britain, plus was nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars. America’s Next Top Model will premiere on VH1 this fall. — Reuters