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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The party was held at Owl’s Lab in New York City and attracted several stars. The line includes cheeky t-shirts that say things like “I Love Men” and “My Sex Tape Comes Out Next Week.” As far as a celebrity clothing line goes, it’s definitely cheeky, fun and doesn’t try to hard.

Jaslene wore a cropped corset and jeans. It’s an all right look. I’m not loving it or hating it.

Celia wore a gold-colored one-shoulder top and jeans. It’s a cute look. She’s growing her hair out from her Top Model cut. I like the length it is now, I wonder how long she’s going to go!

Both Jaslene and Cycle 7 winner CariDee model for the original Heart on My Sleeve line. You can see them both on the website!

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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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According to the Herald Sun, Cassi was offered representation by Priscilla Leighton Clark in Australia and by Elite New York in America, but turned both contracts down.

“Elite in New York are desperate to sign her,” Priscilla told the Herald Sun last week. “The phrase used was, ‘They are completely obsessed’. Contracts are with both parties.”

Unfortunately, an international career isn’t in Cassi’s future as she chose to return to Sunbury to be with her boyfriend, a 25-year-old bricklayer named Brad Saul.

Cassi refused to talk to the paper about her decision and hung up on them when they called for a comment.

Charlotte Dawson, who loved Cassi but refused to cast her vote for the Kate Moss look-a-like for this very reason, was much more frank about the whole thing.

“After seeing him in the audience at the finale, I thought, ‘That guy’s going to ruin her life,” Charlotte told the paper. “We gave her so much love and support, maybe even more than the other girls, but at the back of my mind I knew she would do this and that’s why I couldn’t vote for her.”

I’m not surprised either, but I am disappointed for Adele, Franky and Clare – all who would have had a great shot at winning if they’d made it to the final two. We can only hope those girls and the winner, Tahnee Atkinson, have great careers.

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Even Mecia was surprised by her own victory.

“‘I was sure would Sophie get it. The ten seconds waiting for my picture to appear seemed like days,” she told the Daily Mail. “I was mortified that I had to stand there and lose in front of the friends and family who’d come to watch the final catwalk show.”

Mecia really stepped up her game in the last episode to drive the title home. I also think she has the whole package so many Top Models are looking for – she’s relatable, girls can look up to her and she’s versatile as a model.

I have no doubt Sophie and Jade will get work and have exciting careers. Congratulations to Mecia!

Image: Newscom

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The phenomenal (but drawn out) finale featured two live performances by Jessica Mauboy, a fashion show celebrating Australian designers, a reunion, a nose bleed, a guest appearance by the finalists’ moms and so much more. It broke television records as the most watch paid television show in Australia.

Seventeen-year-old Tahnee received the votes of style director Jonathan Pease, host Sarah Murdoch and judge Charlotte Dawson.

“You have proven you can do it all,” Sarah Murdoch praised. “I’m sure there are thousands of girls out there thinking I want to be just like Tahnee.”

“I’m sure there are thousands of girls out there thinking I want to be just like Tahnee.”

While all the guest judges (and those who offered up the prizes!) cast their vote for Cassi, the audience response put Tahnee over the edge to take home the prize.

Thane felt her relatability and likability is what put her over the edge.

“I think I’ve got a body that can relate to most teenage girls,” Tahnee said during the finale.

Congratulations to Tahnee. Throughout the show, she proved her professionalism and dedication to modeling and her ability to learn quickly and grow. While she’s destined for a very different career than Cycle 3 winner Alice Burdeu, I’m sure she’ll make Sarah Murdoch, the other judges and the audience that voted for her proud!

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