Sheffield's next top model prepares to strut her stuff on hit TV show

Alex Needham will compete to be Britain’s Next Top Model in the new series of the show that airs tonight.

Born and bred in Pitsmoor, Alex was so surprised to be picked for the series, she thought it was a friend prank calling her when she was first approached to be on the show.

Alex Needham, from Sheffield, will appear on the new series of Britain's Next Top Model which starts on January 14

She said: “It is beyond my wildest dreams.

“It is a bit of a whirlwind – I still can’t believe it.”

The revamped show returns on cable and satellite channel Lifetime tonight.

It will see the 22-year-old compete with 14 other women for a top modelling contract, while living alongside her competitors.

Alex Needham, from Sheffield, will appear on Britain's Next Top Model which starts on January 14

The judges are icon and WAG Abbey Clancy, whose own career was kickstarted by the show, supermodel Paul Sculfor, fashion guru Hilary Alexander OBE and photographer Nicky Johnston.

Life hasn’t always run smoothly for former retail worker Alex as she was kicked out of school and her family home at 15.

But she said her past has only given her an advantage over the other girls and her family are now really ‘proud’ of her achievements.

She said: “I realised I was quite grown up compared to the other girls. I’ve dealt with a lot in life and been through a few more things than them.

“Being 19 and 20 and living on my own and supporting myself I’ve been through a lot of stuff so I’m going to take this opportunity and run with it as far as I can.”

She said she can’t wait to watch the show with her friends and family.

She added: “I can’t wait to see what I come across like, it is a bit daunting. I can’t wait to hear what my voice is like – I sound so common! I’ll probably watch it about 10 times over.”

n Britain’s Next Top Model is on Lifetime at 9pm.