National Treasures: As Their Final Task We Ask The Britain’s Next Top Model 17 Finalists To Model The New Brit Jewels to Lust After

Britain’s Next Top Model has been sending ridiculously good-looking people down the runway for over ten years, but none have made quite as big a splash as this year’s finalists. Styled in designs crafted by some of Britain’s best jewellery designers – and reunited as a trio for the first time since the show – this month we sat down with finalists Olivia Wardell, Jennifer Malengele and Alannah Beirne while they took time out from shooting with BNTM photographer Nicky Johnston to talk BTS gossip, the general election and what it’s really like to be a model.

Ear cuff, TADA AND TOY, £40.  Earrings, £425 and Necklace, £525, CASSANDRA GOAD

What made you want to apply to be on Britain’s Next Top Model?
I just saw it advertised on TV. I was rejected five times before I was finally accepted.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during filming?
Filming could be mentally exhausting, especially hearing criticism in the elimination room and not being in contact with my loved ones.

How different is what we see on TV from the reality of filming?
In reality your days are much longer due – what you see on TV is hugely cut down. You’re up at 6am shooting, and then there’s the challenge, then you get home and all you want to do is sleep but you have to keep filming.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the modelling world is that you have to be stick thin. My physique is more athletic so I tend to be a more desirable option for Sports Illustrated or a lingerie shoot. The beauty of modelling is that it embraces diversity.

How has BNTM changed your life?
I had just graduated college and was working in a pub and now I’m modelling full time. Since the show I’ve done pretty much everything you can do for an Irish model. I’m on the cover of the biggest Irish magazine at the moment! Now I’ve moved over to London to try and make it here.

Who are your favourite designers?
Vivienne Westwood, Jimmy Choo and Louise Kennedy.

What’s the biggest misconception about your job?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the modelling world is that you have to be stick thin. My physique is more athletic so I tend to be a more desirable option for Sports Illustrated or a lingerie shoot. The beauty of modelling is that it embraces diversity.

If you were Prime Minister for the day, what would you do?
I would spend more time with those hurt or affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy. I would show them I care and make sure the families got what they needed.

What impact do you think Brexit will have on the fashion industry?
It will be a lot more difficult for models to move here permanently and it’s going to be much harder to travel for work.

Ladder chain earrings, MAWI, £130. Ariel Earth Pendant, TADA AND TOY, £155

What’s your ideal weekend?
A night out with my friends or going on a really romantic date with my boyfriend.

Where are your favourite hangouts?
I don’t know many spots here in London yet, but back in Ireland we would go to the Black Door or Sophie’s.

What are your summer beauty essentials?
My Jane Iredale mineral foundation powder, Burt’s Bees pink lip balm and coconut oil.

What’s your typical summer look?
A floral dress, brown boots or sandals with a belt and handbag. For accessories it’s always gold bangles and chunky jewellery. I love bohemian style for summer.

Who’s in your earphones right now?
Ed Sheeran. He’s a classic. Everybody likes Ed.

What’s the last film you watched?
I was actually at the premier of Dangerous Games recently, starring Callum Best. I even got to hang out with the cast afterwards, which was fun.

What’s one thing about yourself that people might be surprised to hear?
I play Irish music – the flute and tin whistle.

What made you apply for BNTM?
At the end of last season there was an ad saying ‘do you think you’ve got what it takes?’ I thought that there was no harm in applying, so I did.

Did you ever think you would get as far as you did?
I did think I had a good chance of winning, but you don’t know who else has applied. You have to be optimistic but also realistic. It’s anyone’s game. 

What was going through your head when you were standing in the final?
I was scared. I did feel I was one of the most consistent girls on the series but on the last show my dress let me down so I was nervous thinking about that.

How different is it being there to watching it on TV?
When I first watched the show I always wondered why the girls were crying and stressing. Now having been on the show I understand – the pressure can really get to you when you’re working such long hours. TV and reality are two completely different things.

The hung parliament outcome was really good. I was happy to see how well Labour had done and it was nice to see my generation finally stand up for what they believe in.

How has your life changed since being on the show?
The show really threw me into the deep end and as a result I’ve become more confident. I don’t feel shy anymore when I meet people and I’ve learned to take everything with a pinch of salt.

Who are your favourite British designers?
Vivienne Westwood. I love her punk rock style. She’s a game-changer and doesn’t follow the rules – something that totally reflects my personality. I also love Burberry and Chanel – they’re so chic.

 What do you think is the biggest misconception in your industry?
That it’s easy. It’s actually hard work. Not only do you work long hours but you also have to maintain a good level of fitness and take care of your mental health.

If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do?
I would focus more on young and working class people. There’s also lot of gun and knife violence that I would like to tackle. I’d seek to empower racial minorities.

How do you think Brexit will affect the fashion industry?
It will make things harder. I have friends who are signed in Paris and Milan and now it will be harder for them to get jobs here.

What was it like being one of the younger ones on the show?
I was 18 during filming. I feel like I’ve always been mature for my age though so I didn’t really notice any divide.

What was your reaction to the election results?
The hung parliament outcome was really good. I was happy to see how well Labour had done and it was nice to see my generation finally stand up for what they believe in.

What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
There are two sides to me. One side of me loves going out, the other likes chilling and going to museums.

White disk hoop earrings, WOLF & MOON, £25. Chocker, MAWI, £386  

What are your go-to summer essentials?
Highlighter, some rose water and lip-gloss.

Who’s in your earphones at the moment?
Rihanna.

Do you have any icons?
Yes! Tyra Banks, Naomi Cambell, Leomie Anderson. Lots of black models. Representation really matters to me. When I was growing up I used to look up to them and I hope to be someone that girls look up to.

What is one thing about yourself that might surprise us?
I sing, but I don’t like to tell people I sing, because I don’t take it seriously.

You have a YouTube channel. What happens on there?
I do makeup tutorials, hair and beauty.

Some of the BNTM episodes seem to be very dramatic. Were those situations really as dramatic as they seem on TV?
Yes they were dramatic. One time they cut and texturized my hair and I was annoyed because I’d been growing it naturally for 8 months and they were putting chemicals back into it. It was out of my comfort zone – it was hard – but at the end of the day the judges know best.

First of all, how does it feel to be the winner of BNTM?
It feels pretty surreal actually; it’s been over half a year since I’ve known.

What made you want to be on the show?
I actually watched the series before with my boyfriend and he suggested I apply. I wasn’t too keen on going to university, so I just went for it.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during filming?
Occasionally I was told that I wasn’t energetic enough – but sometimes it’s difficult to be when you’re the last out of 12 girls to be seen and you’ve been waiting around for ages.

How has your life changed since winning?
It’s changed quite drastically. I’ve now moved to London and signed with Models One and I’m modelling full time, doing loads of test shoots and castings.

Do you enjoy what you do?
I do! I’m getting used to London – I come from the country – so I’m slowly easing myself into city life.

Ring, SHAUN LEANE, £275

What’s the best thing about being a British model?
Living in London. It’s definitely something that most models aspire to do so I feel very privileged.

What’s the biggest misconception about your job?
There’s this misconception that it’s a hugely glamorous job. I’ve had so many messages from young girls asking me for tips on how to become a model. My advice to them is to carry on through school and not rush into it because it’s not as glamorous as it may seem.

Is being a model everything you expected it to be?
For the most part. I was a little naïve and like everyone else expected it to be very glamorous. But overall it’s great.

If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do?
I would invest money into the NHS because it’s the UK’s backbone.

 How do you feel about the recent election?
It was my first time voting – I voted Labour! I’m so glad young people still have a voice.

What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend?
I’m a country girl so my ideal weekend would include walking my dog!

Where’s your favourite place to shop?
I love charity shops and vintage shops. Around London there’s so many amazing vintage shops.

Stella McCartney’s AW17 campaign was wonderful! I adored the clean cut and simplicity – it gave me such a strong sense of female empowerment.

What are your summer beauty essentials?
Sun, moisturiser and lip balm.

Who’s in your earphones at the moment?
The Beatles.

What was the last book you read or film you watched?
A book called Perfume by Patrick Süskind. It was one of Kurt Cobain’s favourite books!

Does any particular style inspire you?
Street style inspires me. I love being able to see what everyone is wearing no matter where I am.

Is what we see on TV different to the reality of the show?
Well, we were being filmed constantly throughout the day but the edit is only 45 minutes long! The reality is that that’s usually 3 days of filming.

Who are your favourite British designers and why?
When I was studying textiles at school I was always intrigued by Alexander McQueen. His work is utterly outstanding and so eccentric! I also love Vivienne Westwood for the same reasons.

What do you have coming up this summer that we should know about?
I’m off to Croatia on a family holiday – I feel like it’s a go-to destination this summer. I’m also going to Reading festival.

Who were your favourite designers this year?
Stella McCartney’s AW17 campaign was wonderful! I adored the clean cut and simplicity – it gave me such a strong sense of female empowerment.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I live in the now! I love what I’m doing and if this lasts ten years then what a blessing!

Who do you call in a crisis?
I can usually deal with a crisis myself.

Words to live by?
Be happy.