Perth Top Model contestant the one to beat: Hawkins
She’s one of Australia’s most iconic models and personalities, so it’s a big stamp of approval when Jennifer Hawkins sings the praises of an up-and-coming beauty.
The Australia’s Next Top Model host and judge has revealed which contestant could be one of the fiercest in the current ninth season, pointing to WA talent Jess Thomas as one of her picks to take out the competition.
“Jess was one of my favourites from the beginning,” Hawkins toldAAA .
“When we had the girls’ polaroids taken at the start I picked her photo out because I just love her face.
“She’s so beautiful, like a doll, and she’s got great potential because she works really hard and is so passionate.”
As the competitors underwent makeovers on last week’s episode, Thomas was faced with a drastic change in her look, being transformed from a bashful brunette to a fierce and fiery redhead.
Despite being unsure about her new locks, the 19-year-old managed to win the week’s challenge and impress the judges with her bold new look.
“Now Jess has got that amazing red hair and she’s really rocked it, she looks incredible,” Hawkins gushed.
“She came into her own after the makeover, which I was really happy about because she doubted herself a little bit.”
But there’s no room for self-doubt in this year’s season, as the contestants are faced with a number of high- profile international guest judges, including Kim Kardashian, Kelly Osborne and runway legend Linda Evangelista, who will appear in today’s episode at 5.30pm on FOX8.
“This season is really exciting because we’ve got so many guest judges on and it gives the girls a really well-rounded view of the industry,” Hawkins explained.
“It was really nice having Linda Evangelista on set because she’s such a sweet woman and the advice she was giving the girls was incredible for them. They were in awe.”
Hawkins will also be taking a risk by incorporating her self-tanning brand, J Bronze, into this week’s challenge.
“I was so excited for them to use J Bronze but also a little nervous,” Hawkins said with a laugh.
“I really want them to perform so I can use the end product of the challenge but off camera I was like ‘Please don’t disappoint me’.”
