Tyra Banks Returns as Host of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

VH1 today announced that Tyra Banks will return as host of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODELwith the new cycle slated to begin production this summer. Banks and Ken Mok will continue as executive producers. Additional panelists to be announced at a later date.

"Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize. We'd like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro. She infused this new iteration of 'ANTM' with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors," said Mok.

Banks goes on to say: "I'm overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the 'ANTM' fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn't enough because 'ANTM' is woven into my DNA."

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with The Tyra Banks Company and distributed by CBS Television Distribution. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks, Dana Gabrion, Paul Buscemi and Jaimie Glasson. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Currently, "America's Next Top Model" is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 international versions in production. "America's Next Top Model" and the "America's Next Top Model" format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International. For more information, go to @ANTMVH1 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About VH1: VH1 is the dominant pop culture brand for adults 18-34. The network is available in 93 million U.S. households and has an array of digital channels and services including the VH1 App, VH1.com, @VH1 and Love &Hip Hop: The Game. VH1 is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

About CBS Television Distribution: CBS Television Distribution is the preeminent company in television syndication. CTD produces or distributes 10 first-run series and holds the largest distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. Among CTD's critically-acclaimed programs are the #1 Syndicated series Judge Judy; talk leader Dr. Phil; the #1 and #2 rated game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!; the Emmy Award-winning talk shows RACHAEL RAY and The Doctors; the #1 and #2 newsmagazines ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT and Inside Edition, along with The Insider; court show Hot Bench; and popular off-network product, including the CSI, NCIS and Star Trek franchises, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frasier, Criminal Minds, Elementary, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-0, HOT IN CLEVELAND and Undercover Boss. In addition, CTD handles the domestic television distribution of CBS News, CBS Films and Showtime. CTD is a unit of CBS Corp.