Gabriella aiming to be next top model
WHEN Britain’s Next Top Model returns to our screens tonight, there’ll be one Welsh model who can finally break her silence and tell the world of her starring role in the hit TV series.
In 2014, Gabriella Jukes was crowned Miss Neath Port Talbot, but at 9pm she’ll be aiming for an even bigger award as one of 13 hopefuls battling it out for the title in the 12th series of the reality show.
The 21-year-old from Aberavon, who works part-time in Tesco Express in Briton Ferry, began modelling at the age of 17 at Cardiff Fashion Week. Little did she realise that she would land a role in her favourite TV show.
“It all happened so fast, it’s a bit of a blur,” she said. “I just applied randomly at midnight one night, and they got in touch and asked me to send them a home video.
“A couple of days later I had a call, and they said ‘The producer really likes you, can you come to London to audition?’”
She did just that, and the moment the reality of what was happening hit home was when she met the three judges – photographer Nicky Johnston, model Max Rogers, and one of the big success stories to emerge from the series, Abbey Clancy.
“I just froze when Abbey walked in,” she recalled. “We were all so excited when we first saw her. It was all so surreal, I can’t get over it. It’s just such an amazing opportunity. I always dreamed of being on Britain’s Next Top Model, it’s my favourite show ever.”
Gabriella now has her fingers crossed that her time in the spotlight will lead to more opportunities in the modelling world – but not until she’s finished her degree in sports science first.
Britain’s Next Top Model beings tonight at 9pm on Lifetime.