Nigel Barker, the resident photographer on the judging panel of “America’s Next Top Model” for the past 18 cycles, has responded to getting axed from the show, saying that it “wasn’t a shock.” Barker also reveals that he now plans to launch his own series, as well as a line of cosmetics for men.
“I’m friends with Tyra and the producers,” Barker tells E! News. “It wasn’t a shock … There had been a discussion that ratings were down and that something like this would happen. There had been previous years where discussions about me being eliminated from the show had happened and I had actually survived the chopping block before.”
Barker spoke on behalf of himself and fellow “ANTM” regulars Jay Manuel and J. Alexander, referred to as “Mr. and Ms. Jay” on the series, who were also dropped.
“We had an incredible run and there aren’t any hard feelings,” said Barker. “This isn’t a Tyra thing. This is a network thing.”
Barker says that leaving the show that made him famous is actually a blessing in disguise. He says that he plans to pursue a show of his own, and that he is working on launching a line of skin care products and cosmetics for men.
“My contract was so exclusive that it was holding me back from other projects,” Barker said. “I’m looking very much forward to creating my own show that focuses on some of my passions like photography.”