Rita Ora is out. Tyra Banks is back in.
VH1 announced Thursday that the original host of “America’s Next Top Model” is returning to her duties after a one-season absence.
“Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize,” executive producer Ken Mok said in a press release.
“America’s Next Top Model” (or “ANTM” as it is sometimes called) was canceled by the CW after 20 seasons in Oct. 2015. It was revived over on VH1, but with British pop singer Ora as the host. Banks stayed on as an executive producer.
“We’d like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro,” Mok continued. “She infused this new iteration of ‘ANTM’ with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.”
Banks and Mok will also be executive producers in the upcoming season.
“I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ‘ANTM’ fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart,” Banks said. “After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ‘ANTM’ is woven into my DNA.”
Despite not hosting “ANTM,” Banks has been keeping busy. She launched a talk show, “FABLife” in 2015, but exited after two months to focus on her cosmetics line. The show wasn’t picked up for a second season. She also signed on as a board room advisor for the new “Celebrity Apprentice,” but distanced herself later.
Banks also recently picked up hosting duties from Nick Cannon on “America’s Got Talent.”