Rebecca talks about how much her life has changed since the big win, how she feels about Meaghan Waller, the winner of Cycle 3,and what surprises her most about the fashion world. While Rebecca was repeatedly told about the long hours she’d have to put in as a working model, it didn’t hit home until she was traveling all over the world:

I would have to go back to the long hours, especially when travelling. People don’t understand that you’re on a plane to Milan, you get off your plane and you’re given a map and you have to go to 12 castings and figure it out. People don’t understand how difficult that can be, especially when there’s language barriers. It’s very difficult and that’s one of the things I found extremely, extremely hard. But diet and exercise really help with that.

I really liked Rebecca and am glad to see she’s having a busy and successful career. You can read the entire interview at Dose.ca!

Image: Newscom

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Meaghan hails from Winnipeg and it’s great she’s going back to say hello to all her fans and supporters.

All the details for the event can be found at the Portage Place website. If you do go, be sure to send photos and tell us what Meaghan’s like!

Image: CTV | Alan Lee

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Meaghan talked to me about her future plans, her favorite photo shoots and her closest friends in the house. Her answers may surprise you! She was a total sweetheart and I wish her all the best as she embarks on an exciting career!

Full Q&A below the jump!

What inspired you to try out for Top Model?

I was actually scouted at my job, which is at a local retail store in Winnipeg. A local modeling agency approached me and asked if they could take a few photos. I went in and did, and then some were sent to Top Model. They called me and asked me to fly to Toronto the next day to go to the auditions and it all went from there.

Were you surprised by your win?

I was very surprised. I never told myself I was going to win or wasn’t going to win. I didn’t want that to be my focus. Instead I took it day by day and just wanted to see where that led me. Sure, wanting to win and dreaming about winning was always on the back burner, but I just tried my best and let what happened happen.

What was your favorite experience during your time on the show?

The entire experience was so amazing, I can’t just pick one thing that pops out at me. The girls were amazing, it was great to work with such seasoned and fantastic photographers and the photos were really fun.

What surprised you the most about modeling?

Nothing surprised me in the sense it that it took me by surprise or shocked me. I was well-informed and prepared for what I was getting myself into. The long hours were the hardest to deal with. They weren’t surprising in so much that they weren’t expected, but in that I wasn’t expecting them to be that difficult to deal with.

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the show?

There isn’t a particular challenge within the show that sticks out in my mind. Rather, it was the personal challenges. I have terrible anxieties, so it was a huge accomplishment to overcome that. I was especially proud of the New York trip. Not so much in that I won the challenge, but I struggle with new places and new directions and get overwhelmed easily with those sorts of things. To overcome go-sees and to do well at them was a huge personal accomplishment and one I’m really proud of.

What photo shoot was your favorite? Least favorite? Why?

I actually have two favorite photo shoots. The avant garde beauty shoot and the castaway brides. Both were lots of fun to shoot. I can’t say I have a least favorite, as I enjoyed all the photo shoots, but the one that was the most difficult for me was definitely the CoverGirl shoot, as you saw on the show.

Who were your closest friends in the house?

They showed me hanging out with Nikita a lot, as she’s a fun girl and has a great personality. However, I’d say I’m the closest to Linsay. She’s a really nice girl and we got along great.

What were Jay Manuel and the other judges like?

The judges were all fantastic people and a pleasure to work with. They focused on giving us constructive criticism and were dedicated to making us better models. They were there to help us and I appreciated that.

Now that you’ve won, what’s next?

Well, I’m doing press today, then have Boot Camp to Big Time for the rest of the week. On Saturday, I have my FASHION editorial shoot and on Monday, I have my first real job as a model with Capezio Shoes.

Where would you like to be in the next few years?

I’d love to work overseas and be on international runways. I want to do shows in Milan, London and Paris. I’d love to be in a Chanel show and it would be a dream if Karl Lagereld decided to make me his muse. That would be awesome!

Thank you for speaking with me today and again, congratulations!

Oh, thank you! It’s been a pleasure!

Images: Allen Yee | CTV

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Here are the photos, in call-out order. I liked Meaghan’s the best, how about you?

Linsay

Meaghan

Nikita

Images: Gabor Jurina | CTV

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Original Air Date: July 14th, 2009
Photo shoot: FASHION cover
Guest judge: Susie Sheffman
Called first: Linsay
Eliminated: Nikita
Fashion show: the Blonds
Guest jude: Nole Marin
Winner: Meaghan

The girls read the letter from Maryam and we learn Maryam was in on the “wha-at?” joke. Interesting. The final three said stuff about how the offensive last confessional was misrepresented and maybe, to some extent, that’s the case.

The girls then go to the King Edward Hotel to meet the editors of FASHION for the cover shoot for the winner. Nole wants the girls to “serve it up”. I’m going to miss him.

I have a new catchphrase. In a complete deadpan: “Bitch, I’m da bomb. Tck tck.”

For the first time, we learn about Nikita’s size-fourness. It’s not a secret, but it’s the first time it’s been brought up as a setback for her career. The editors turn it into a positive, but being a “size four on a good day” won’t get you work. Linsay has trouble with the size two dresses as well, which is worrisome. I love seeing diverse girls in fashion, but if you can’t fit, you won’t get booked.

The magazine girls love everyone, it’s ridiculous. Who is going to be eliminated?! Meaghan fits perfectly into the size two dress, which worries Nikita and Linsay.

I’m getting a t-shirt that says “That’s the f***king most phenomenal s**t of life. Bitch.” Nikita is bringing the catchphrases today.

Meaghan’s judging is up first and her cover is fabulous. Linsay is second and her cover is great, but less fabulous than Meaghan’s. Nikita is last and it’s also fabulous and also not as great as Meaghan’s. Nikita is totally going home.

I love the judges’ deliberation. Mike and Jeanne get so into it! Susie gets into it too, this is awesome. I love Canada’s Next Top Model.

Linsay gets first call out. I’m not surprised, but I’m disappointed. I was gunning for Meaghan. It’s down to Meaghan and Nikita. But Meaghan is safe! Hooray! This was the right call, Jay. Good job.

It’s time for the final runway show and it’s for the Blonds. It’s going to be close, as Linsay’s walk is fierce, but Meaghan is a better overall package. I think it’s going to come down to how the judges weigh the final show versus their overall performance and portfolios.

The clothes are hot and I’m amazed at how normal the runway show is. Where is my Dr. Seuss runway or my oil-slick orgy?! Why is Jay not on a throne? I’m so disappointed!

Meaghan looks fierce. Linsay immediately follows and she’s just as fierce. This competition is going to be clooooooose. I love Linsay’s hair, it looks awesome.

The final panel! I really wanted Elmer there, but Nole is, so that’s all good. Why wasn’t Elmer a judge?! He would have been awesome.

The judges go through the runway and their total body of work. The judges rave about Meaghan’s walk, but Mike and Yasmine have minor criticisms. Linsay gets similar stunning reviews and similar minor criticisms with her bounciness. For their overall work, it’s very back and forth. The girls make Jeanne cry and it’s actually a touching moment.

It comes down to Meaghan’s high fashion appeal and Linsay’s commercial relatability. Meaghan will work in Europe, but everyone will want to be Linsay’s friend. So what’s more important?

In the end, it’s all about who can work internationally. Meaghan wins. Elmer will be so happy – he loved her form the minute she walked in to the Toronto auditions.

I like Linsay and am confident she’ll get work.

Congrats Meaghan!!!

Images: Mike Ruiz | CTv

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All three find that getting recognized is strange and are learning to adapt to the whole “role model” thing. Especially Linsay, who grew up on a reserve, is finding lots of support and admiration from the indigenous community.

“I was really surprised but a lot of young Aboriginal girls, even their parents, their grandmas, grandpas, lots of people have been like, ‘You’re a great inspiration’ and just wanting to let me know that they’re proud and they have a positive role model,” she said.

The interview is brief, but it’s nice to hear the girls’ sides of the story. You can read the entire interview here.

I have no idea who is going to take home the crown and that’s exciting! Will Linsay be the first aboriginal winner ever for a Top Model franchise? Will Meaghan’s girl-next-door looks take it home? Or will Nikita’s edgy looks and sharp cheekbones put her on top?

Images: Mike Ruiz | CTV

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Here are the photos, in call-out order. Which one is your favorite? Least favorite?

Linsay

Nikita

Meaghan

Maryam

Images: Mike Ruiz | CTV

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Full recap below the jump!

Original Air Date: July 7, 2009
Challenge: Cashmere bathroom tissue runway
Challenge Winner: Linsay
Photo Shoot: CoverGirl EyeLights Ad
Guest Judge: Miss J Alexander
Called First: Linsay
Eliminated: Maryam

After we got the usual “aww Heather’s gone” and “yay Heather’s gone” confessionals, Jay stops by with some coffee and a special guest – Miss J! Miss J is certainly making the rounds, as he also appeared on this season of Britain’s Next Top Model. It’s runway time!
It turns out to be a real runway lesson too and nothing ridiculously gimmicky. Linsay really impresses J, but everyone else needs serious work.

For the challenge, the girls are wrapped in toilet paper and must walk down the runway. Whoever rips their dress the least wins. I can’t help but wonder if the quality of the walk is going to be accounted for at all. It turns out this is only a warm up, as the real challenge involves wearing couture toilet paper gowns by some of the most “influential” Canadian designers. Lucian Matis is there and while I love him, he’s been on every Canadian fashion reality show ever, including every season of CNTM so far.

When they’re getting dressed – after repeatedly being told to be careful – Maryam decides she needs to help Linsay, despite their being two stylists there. What are you, five years old Maryam? I know you mean well, but you weren’t asked to help.When you don’t know what you’re doing, you are not being helpful.

Despite having her dressed ripped and despite tripping up the stairs, Linsay wins and gets to go shoe shopping with Miss J. The other three head back to the hotel, where Meaghan and Nikita do a confessional ripping into Maryam. They need an outlet and i can appreciate that, but wow. That was an offesnive rant, even if that wasn’t their intentions.

It’s photo shoot time! And Mike Ruiz is shooting! I love Mike – he’s an awesome addition to the panel. The photo shoot is an actual CoverGirl ad. Everyone’s worried, but Linsay, Nikita and Maryam surprise everyone and bring it. Meaghan’s photo shoot just didn’t come together.

At panel, the judges make the girls do their runway walk for everyone. The judges are in love with Linsay. Miss J hates Maryam photo and convinces the other judges that it isn’t great. Despite Meaghan’s photo shoot troubles, her photo is great. I love the feedback both Meaghan and Nikita get at panel – Meaghan for getting caught up in the hair issues and Nikita for being self-deprecating and trashing her photo.

Jay asked about the ripped dress and it turns into finger pointing and Maryam gets defensive. In deliberation, the judges are torn about Maryam but in the end, they send her home. The reason is pretty stupid, but there’s been enough issues with Maryam over the course of the show that her elimination at this time makes sense. Linsay gets her second first call-out in a row.

Next week, it’s the finale! I’m so excited! I have no idea who I want to win. Every time I get behind Meaghan or Nikita, they annoy me. Linsay isn’t my favorite model, but she’s bringing it and working hard.

Who do you think will win?

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Here are the photos, in call out order!

Linsay

Meaghan

Maryam

Nikita

Heather

Photo Credit: Amber Gray | CTV

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Full recap below the jump!

Original Air Date: June 30, 2009
Challenge: Go sees
Challenge Winner: Meaghan
Photo Shoot: Diva and crew member
Guest Judge: Richie Rich
Called First: Linsay
Eliminated: Heather

Everyone seems glad Rebeccah went home. While I liked her, it was probably for the best. This show seemed to break Rebeccah emotionally. Oooh, this week’s destination is the CN Tower! So Canadian! The CN Tower reveals Nikita’s secret weakness – heights. I find it interesting it takes so long for this to come out since they live in the penthouse of a really tall hotel.

At the top of the CN Tower, they meet last year’s winner, Rebecca! She tells them about what her life is like now and how the show preps them for the real world of modeling. Jay uses this moment to talk about his apartment in New York, because it turns out, that’s this week’s destination! It’s go-see time! I love that the show is sending them to New York for go sees. It makes the show seem legitimate.

Maryam can’t go because of her passport issue. Not a surprise. I feel kind of bad for her, but what can you do? Why couldn’t the show pull strings to get her a passport sooner? We also learn that Nikita had a really hard time in Singapore because of her wide hips. She seems really vulnerable in this moment and it makes me like her more.

The girls are staying at the presidential suite in New York. No, girls, despite what you think, Obama would not stay there. We get a JayMail where he calls NYC his hometown. Way to snub Scarborough, Jay!

The girls are given $100 and phones. Once a go see is completed, they will be texted the address of their next go see.

The girls get go sees at Tibi, Heatherette, Alice + Olivia, and Loris Diran. Meaghan gets great feedback, and Nikita, Linsay and Heather all get okay feedback, with Heather getting the worst of all. She’s too All American and needs an edge. Linsay and Nikita have edge, but need to improve their walks. Meaghan does make the giant mistake of forgetting her book. Linsay proves how smart she is by bringing flats and changing in the car.

Nikita is late and we know that being late is a carnal sin in Top Model land. The girls are greeted by Elmer Olsen! I love Elmer Olsen so very much. He was a doll at the Toronto auditions. He tells the girls what the designers said about everyone and reveals that Meaghan is the winner! Linsay is a close second and Elmer tells her she should be proud.

At the photo shoot, SUTAN is there! He is my favorite on ANTM and him and Nole together is making me deliriously happy. The photo shoot is dual concept – diva and crewmember.

While the girls are shooting in New York, Maryam calls her friend and does her own photo shoot in Toronto. She’s really dedicated and wants to show the judges that. I have to give her kudos, but don’t think it’s going to help. We’re in the top five now.

The photo shoot looks cool and I’m excited to see the final products.

Jay, because he wants to get the girls drunk for some dramatic footage, gives the girls $5000 to blow on an unforgettable night in NYC. The go shopping, go to dinner and go out. It’s fun but nothing overly dramatic or intense happens.

At panel, Meaghan brings it as the diva and as a stylist. The judges aren’t impressed with Nikita. They love Linsay’s go see attitude and her story for her photo is awesome. Heather’s photo is ruined by PhotoShop and the judges feel she overworked it. Maryam brings her photo and Jay agrees to consider it along with her bosy of work. Before they deliberate, Jay warns her that she’s at a major disadvantage, but gives her kudos for going out and getting a photo shoot on her own.

Maryam’s photo is gorgeous, but is it enough? Linsay gets first call out and I’m surprised she beats out Meaghan. She worked hard this week, so good on her! Meaghan is second, followed by Maryam – shocking! – leaving Heather and Nikita in the bottom two. I have no idea who is going home at this point. In the end, Nikita’s stronger book keeps her in the competition. Heather is simply too much like Meaghan and too girl next door to stay. I’m really sad to see her go, she was a sweetheart.

Image: CTV

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