Tyra Banks apparently regrets giving up her America's Next Top Model hosting duties because she's coming back next season!

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Banks hosted all seasons of America's Next Top Model except for the last 23rd edition when Rita Ora took over the role. And Banks, creator and executive producer of the VH1 reality modeling competition, realized fans missed her just as much as she missed being so involved with the models.

"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, who will also be hosting America's Got Talent this summer, said in a statement.

"After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn't enough because ANTM is woven into my DNA."

Production on Season 24 of America's Next Top Model is slated to begin this summer, and in addition to Banks, Ken Mok will also continue serving as an executive producer.

"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. We'd like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro. She infused this new iteration of ANTM with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors," Mok explained.

Judges for the new season will be revealed at a later date. Last season featured Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Ashley Graham, Paper magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliot, and stylist Law Roach on the judging panel.

Model India Gants, 20, was crowned last season's winner of America's Next Top Model, which wrapped earlier this month. Gants took home the $100,000 grand prize, a one-year talent deal with VH1, a commercial feature on behalf of Rimmel London, and a fashion spread in Paper magazine.

America's Next Top Model debuted in May 2003 on UPN before moving to The CW when UPN and The WB merged into The CW network in 2006. Top Model's format was also launched into 30-plus countries and it ranks as The CW's most successful reality series ever.

Top Model's 22nd edition, which was supposed to be its last, aired its finale in December 2015. Banks had said the show ran its course creatively and producers wanted Top Model to go out on a high note; however, Mok immediately led an initiative to resurrect the show on VH1.

America's Next Top Model is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company and distributed by CBS Television Distribution. Executive producers also include Dana Gabrion, Paul Buscemi and Jaimie Glasson. 
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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