#1019 No Stevie Kemp for America's Next Top Model

Image /62 Models

It would seem the Herald on Sunday got it wrong this past weekend when they ran this story about Kiwi model Stevie Kemp being contracted to Cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model. Quoting an unnamed member of Stevie Kemp's family, the piece states that the 16 year old model has signed a contract; that filming won't begin until next year and that it is unclear what her role will be on the show. Although 62 Models boss Sara Tetro declined to comment in the article, the agency's official word as of today is that there isn't a shred of truth to the rumour, with booker Rhiyen Sharpe saying, "Somebody must have gotten their wires crossed."

According to sources, Kemp cast for the Top Model final runway challenge held at the Auckland Museum on 15 December, but was not booked for the job because she was too young. It is a requirement that all models must be at least 18 years old to appear on the show.

With that last point in mind, Kemp would be too young to appear in Cycle 15 (which will film this year, not next, as the HOS reported). And reason would have to dictate that the world's highest rating model reality TV show wouldn't bend its rules for a virtually unknown girl (no matter how beautiful she might be) from little old New Zealand.

On George FM yesterday I speculated that perhaps the next Cycle of America's Next Top Model might be to find a non-American next top model - hey they've done plus-size girls and short girls, who knows what those crazy producers will think of next - but even if that is the case, the likelihood of Stevie Kemp being a contestant is hovering somewhere around the zero percent mark.

Stevie Kemp is said to have been particularly bemused by the rumour - as, no doubt any 16 year old would be to wake up on a Sunday morning and find an incorrect story written about them in one of the country's largest newspapers.

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