Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander are leaving CW's "America's Next Top Model," where they have helped Tyra Banks find up-and-coming models for years.
All will leave after the current, 18th cycle of the show, which debuted in 2003. The CW declined to comment on a New York Post report that Banks fired all three, and that they were informed Thursday that their contracts would not be renewed.
"Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander have been an integral part of the ‘America’s Next Top Model’ brand and they helped turn this show into the household name it is today. They have been amazing assets to the show and will always be a part of the ‘Top Model’ family. We will continue to actively work with each of them on future projects,” said Banks and fellow executive producer Ken Mok in a statement.
The move comes as ratings for the show, one of the longest-running on the CW, have slipped. "Top Model," widely known as "ANTM," joined the CW when it succeeded the WB and UPN.
Barker has been a photographer and judge on the show, and the silver-haired Manuel has directed photo shoots. Alexander, nicknamed "Miss Jay," has been a runway coach.
