Tyra Banks removes contestant age limit on show

Former supermodel Tyra Banks, also the host of "Americas Next Top Model", has announced that she is doing away with an age limit for the show.

Banks made the announcement via a video posted online on Saturday, reports variety.com.

She said: "There have been 23 cycles of 'America's Next Top Model', and every single cycle we say you have to be 27 years old or younger."

"You know what I hear all the time? 'Tyra, come on. Why have an age limit?' So, you know what? I'm taking that age limit off."

"You want to audition for 'America's Next Top Model'? I don't care how old you are, honey. You just need to know how to smize and be open to learning how to work the runway like a supermodel," she said.

Banks launched "America's Next Top Model" in 2003, but passed hosting duties for the 23rd cycle, the first to air on VH1, to singer Rita Ora. In March, Banks announced she would take back the role she originated in addition to hosting "America's Got Talent" on NBC.

--IANS

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