Media Fetish

TV3s Jacqueline Loates confirmed to the Herald on Sunday that the network owns the rights to a local version and that discussions are currently underway. The Herald reported that those discussions have become as advanced as searching for a host.

Rachel Hunter is said to have rejected the role, and Kiwi supermodels Kylie Bax and Charlotte Dawson were considered but were unsure about the time commitment involved. Dawson is a judge on Australias Next Top Model.

The current favourite for host is rumoured to be Sara Tetro, who manages 62 Models and Talent in Auckland.

I cant say anything because it hasnt been confirmed but I think the programme is fantastic and it will be great if it runs. Its great that everyone is so excited about it, said Tetro.

The NZ Herald asked girls on the street what the they thought of New Zealands Next Top Model, and while most reacted positively, 20-year-old Bronwyn Retief said I think the budget would be completely different so it might not be as extravagant.

Retiefs comments seem to mirror my exact thoughts when I first heard the news - many New Zealand versions of international shows fail because they are made on a much smaller scale. If they cant make the new version better or equal to the original then it leaves us wondering if it should ever be made at all.

However, best of luck to TV3! Lets hope that they can set a new standard for local remakes.