Tyra Banks' ANTM firings: Jay, J. and Nigel gone!

Apr 20, 2012 9:22 AM by Sara McGinnis

Posted in Entertainment / Celebrity Gossip

**Tyra Banks Cleans Out Top Model Expert Panel**

Tyra Banks is on a firing rampage! The America's Next Top Model figurehead has fired three of the shows most recognizable faces.

Tyra Banks

What would America's Next Top Model be without Mr. Jay, Miss J. and Nigel Barker? Fans are about to find out, thanks to Tyra Banks' firing rampage.

The trio, each of whom have appeared on Top Model for numerous seasons, found out Thursday their contracts would not be renewed for the upcoming Cycle 18.

Confirming the news personally, Tyra Banks wrote the following message on her official Facebook page:

"To my Nigel Barker, Miss J., and Mr. Jay: Thank you for all of our years together on America's Next Top Model. Working with you is always an absolute pleasure. Excited for what the future holds for us."

In a statement releasing news of the ANTM firings executive producers told Us Weekly, "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."

CW renews America's Next Top Model for cycle 19 >>

Other judges over the years who have come and gone include Janice Dickinson, Kimora Lee Simmons, Twiggy, Paulina Porizkova, André Leon Talley, Beau Quillian, Eric Nicholson and Nole Marin.

Moments after word of the ANTM firings broke publicly Friday, Jay Manuel ("Mr. Jay") posted this statement on his own site:

Thank you all for your kind words. It’s true, after 18 cycles, I will not be returning to America’s Next Top Model.

Most importantly, I must give a big thank you to all our fans! It’s been extraordinary being a part of an such an amazing brand that we all worked hard to build. From the first cycle you embraced us and nine years later, we still feel that love. I’ve truly been blessed to work on a show that was recognized and loved around the world. I’ll take with me memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

Nigel, Miss J and I had a great run, and now it’s time for us to move on. But you know me… I’m already working on many interesting projects. I look forward to sharing with you soon!

Much love,

-Jay

XOXO

Will Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model firings change how much you watch the show?

Image via WENN

Tags: america's next top model tyra banks

Comments

Comments on "Tyra Banks' ANTM firings: Jay, J. and Nigel gone!"

Tyra thats not cool you fired the best people. They were the onws that made the show. Now the show is going down. You have lost me as a fan.

Honestly Tyra must be a real control freak and . She is constantly firing judges unlike any other show. It has to be her!! Come on Tyra you arent all that!!!

maybe we will soon see a new show with the J's and Nigel. I would LOVE that. I think the best change would be , let tyra go and get a new host. Her time is done, but we neeeeed the j's.

We have been turned off by Tyra's increasingly bizarre use of non-words. We wonder if she has a brain tumor. Please, Tyra, get yourself checked!

i love both js and mr. barker. the show is not going to be the same.the best runway queen has left the building! i think both js where the most of the show. i will miss all of you. good luck and hope to see you back on the show. one 1 fan!