Elle Macpherson’s back leading the hunt with a new panel for Britain And Ireland’s Next Top Model new series

Elle Macpherson’s back leading the hunt with a new panel for Britain And Ireland’s Next Top Model new series

Elle and fashion legend Julien Macdonald will be joined by Tyson Beckford, the world’s first male supermodel, and Whitney Port, the US stylist to the stars.

Speaking on set to TV Biz, Elle said: “I am impressed with my new panel.

“Sitting besides Julien and me are Whitney and Tyson who are experienced, successful and knowledgeable in their individual fields”.

But Elle does admit she sometimes has to put them in their place.

She said: “I do tell them off for being too chatty. That’s true, I do. But it’s because everyone on the panel is doing really interesting things with their lives and often catch up on set.

“We enjoy each other’s company but we also have to be mindful that we have 13 young girls waiting and listening to what we say.” Tyson looks sheepish, as he admitted they would get carried away without Elle to reign them in.

He said: “We need Elle to tell us off. We’re the wild bunch â€" we need that.”

As a mum-of-two sons, Elle insists it’s not her maternal side that keeps the panel in check.

She said: “It’s not the mum in me, it’s the executive producer coming out.

“The girls have fantastic mentors between Whitney, Tyson and Julien and they’re really helping the girls the best they can be.

“I’m protective about the girls and recognise they are young and sensitive.”

TV judges often face criticism for being too hard on contestants or wannabes. But Elle says she’s keen not to criticise or make her models feel self-conscious â€" and she encourages the whole panel to follow her lead.

The show is an emotional journey for the contestants.

Elle said: “I get moved because I know it’s a life-changing experience for the girls and often they’re nervous about their next steps.”

At 48, Elle remains one of the fittest people in showbiz and is a living testament to the benefits of a good diet and effective exercise.

She said: “I do things the old school way. For me, it’s about great lighting, great hair and great wardrobe, “I don’t drink or smoke and I laugh a lot.”

Britain Ireland’s Next Top Model launches on Sky Living HD on Monday at 9pm.

RIHANNA’S stylist Lysa Cooper will be the third mentor on Sky Living’s Styled To Rock.

The Bajan pop star, who is the executive producer of the show, picked the fashionista to join designer Henry Holland and Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts on the judging panel.

Over ten weeks, 12 new designers, selected by Rihanna, will be tasked by the mentors to create outfits for A-list pop artists to wear.

Styled To Rock will air on Sky Living later in the summer.