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'America's Next Top Model' Shake-Up: Nigel, Miss J, and Mr. Jay Are Out

By Jill Slattery on

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Tyra Banks (PacificCoastNews), Nigel Barker, J. Alexander, & Jay Manuel (Getty)

'ANTM' (CW) Tyra Banks is no stranger to Top Model eliminations, but now she's made the most shocking cuts in the show's history. The host and producer, 38, has fired ANTM's judge/photographer Nigel Barker, runway coach J. Alexander, and creative director Jay Manuel.

In a post in her official Facebook page, Banks wrote, "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."

Tyra and ANTM producer Ken Mok also released a statement: "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."

Miss J and Mr. Jay have both been with the show since it debuted in 2003. Nigel Barker joined the judging panel in 2004. Current America's Next Top Model: British Invasion judge Kelly Cutrone is reportedly expected to return for the show's 19th cycle, which will be a "College Edition" that features contestants who are all participating in some sort of higher education program.

See Tyra Banks' Lookbook: