SUPERMODEL TWIGGY JOINS UPN'S "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL" AS A JUDGE FOR CYCLE 5

Runway Expert J. Alexander Frequent Special Guest In Previous Cycles Will Also Be Added as a Judge For Cycle 5

Supermodel Twiggy has joined UPN's AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL cycle 5 as a new panel judge, where she will conduct regular weekly evaluations of top model participants.

"We are thrilled to have Twiggy as a part of this cycle's judging panel; the show and participants will benefit a great deal from her vast knowledge and expertise," said Ken Mok, Executive Producer of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. "With Twiggy and the addition of runway expert J. Alexander as judges, we're guaranteed to have some lively judging sessions."

As the first teenager to become a supermodel in the 1960's, Twiggy is still one of the most recognized names in the fashion world today. During her illustrious international modeling career, Twiggy has graced the covers of virtually every fashion magazine in the world, including, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, McCall's, Seventeen and Newsweek.

J. Alexander began his career gracing the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City. After a modeling stint in Tokyo, he eventually decided to settle in Paris and since 1991 has found himself to be a preferred contact for casting and coaching runway models for well-known designers including Valentino, Galliano, Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Nina Ricci.

The judging panel for cycle 5 will again be led by Tyra Banks and will include Twiggy, J. Alexander and renowned fashion photographer Nigel Barker. As always, special guest judges will appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

Judge Janice Dickinson, who has been a part of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL since its onset, is leaving the show. Janice is leaving to pursue other projects including VH-1�s Surreal Life. In addition, she has a television production deal and is currently working on a new book. "We would like to thank Janice for bringing her talents to the show and for everything she did to help us build 'America's Next Top Model' into its current success," said Mok. "We wish her well in all of her future endeavors."

The fifth installment of UPN's hit dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, follows young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling. Tyra Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").