By Monique Butterworth
Pictures: Jez Smith.
Jodhi shows her softer side as the ‘mother hen’ of Australia’s Next Top Model.
Clutching a well-deserved coffee, designer, former model and TV presenter Jodhi Meares takes a rare moment to relax. Back for her second year as host of Australia’s Next Top Model, the glamorous 36-year-old feels more comfortable heading up the series that has become a must-see for any fashion devotee.
With a love of being around young people, Jodhi is again relishing her responsibility as modelling mentor and “mother hen” — but she admits to Woman’s Day that she has had to keep her distance from this batch of babes-in-the-making …
Is hosting something like Australia’s Next Top Model easier the second time around?
It has gotten a little bit easier. It hasn’t been as emotional as last season, but I haven’t spent as much time with the girls. I don’t know if it has been a ploy to keep me away from them because I get so attached, but it has worked. It’s still very upsetting to eliminate a girl, but not as heart-wrenching as it was last year.
Does this series differ from the last? How?
It’s a similar format but I think it’s more exciting. The challenges are more exciting. There has been a lot more going on. I think it is a more even playing field this year. It’s not as obvious — there were more ‘stand outs’ last year. This season has been much harder on the judges and there definitely are more split decisions each week. We’re all disagreeing, all the time — it’s been very difficult. You’ll see more sparks flying. Mainly from me — I get on my soapbox and start yelling at the two of them — the gargoyles! They rev me up and tease me relentlessly too.
The girls seem to get better each series — is this the case again?
The girls are an amazing group. Last season were amazing and this year is the same. It’s hard to say, they’re quite a different group of girls, all very different looking. They’ve also got extremely different personalities. Which has amazed me, how different they are, as a group, to last year.
Were you seeing a higher standard at the audition process this year?
Definitely. Girls looked at last year’s winner Alice Burdeu and thought ‘Wow! This is a real modelling competition not just a reality TV show.’ Alice raised the bar, without question. The calibre of girls who auditioned definitely improved.
What aspects of the role/show do love the most?
It’s a lot of fun. It’s a fun show. The girls are lovely and it’s great to see them blossom. You hope it’s a good experience for them and they’ve learnt something. You literally watch them grow up in front of you. You see them change. At that age, they’re so malleable.
What aspects of the role/show do you dislike?
I really don’t like eliminating the girls. They all want to win. For the most part, they’ve had a great experience, and that’s important. You don’t want it to be soul destroying. It has been a little bit easier because I’ve spent less time with them this season.
How are you and judges Charlotte Dawson and fashion designer Alex Perry getting along this year?
It’s still hilarious. We do argue. We are all very opinionated and we definitely all have different opinions but I adore them. They’re both very funny.
What is the age range in the second series?
It’s around the same. We’ve got 13 girls who range in age from 16 to 21.
Are there any “larger size” girls?
No, we don’t have any actual “plus-size” girls.
Are you in contact or offering advice to any of the girls from the last series?
I speak to Steph a lot but she’s busy … she’s in love. She’s got a boyfriend.
What is the secret to a successful relationship?
I have absolutely no idea!
For more of this interview, see this week’s Woman’s Day (on sale April 21).
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