Tyra Banks Fires Three Longtime 'Top Model' Personalities

Tyra Banks Fires Three Longtime 'Top Model' Personalities: Tyra Banks fired three of the longest-running personalities on her show "America's Next Top Model," letting go co-stars J. Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker, reports the New York Post's Page Six.The three mentors were told Thursday morning that their contracts won't be renewed for next season, the piece notes. All three have worked on the show since it began in 2003.Barker works as a judge and photographer, while Alexander serves as the show's "runway trainer." Manuel is the show's creative director.The decision was due to plans for major changes to the program for its 19th cycle, the piece adds. Producers are reaching out to bloggers and fashion insiders, such as blogger Bryan Boy, in order to add a social media slant to the show, the story notes.