Oxygen’s The Face is one of the hottest reality shows on television. Each week, viewers are given an inside look at the fashion industry as 12 “modeltestants” compete to become the focus of a national advertising campaign. Host Nigel Barker wears multiple hats this season, now acting as a confidante and advisor to all of the supermodel hopefuls. Nigel took a few minutes to speak with DIRECTV about his experiences on the show.

What do the two new Supermodel Coaches, Anne V and Lydia Hearst, bring to the show this season?

First and foremost, they bring completely different perspectives on the modeling industry. Lydia Hearst is fashion royalty with a background in everything fashion. She’s also a petite model, something that a lot of people can identify with. Anne V, from Russia, is a true blonde bombshell with an extraordinary body and a huge history of swimsuit modeling.

One of the most amazing things about The Face is that we’ve got all of these models from different parts of the world, with different perspectives, different heights, different shapes, different shades. They’ve each got their own “thing.”

How long did it take you to learn how to pronounce Anne V’s last name (Vyalitsyna)?

I call her Anne V. So not long at all!

When a new season begins, are you able to immediately pick out contestants that have no chance to make it to the end?

I’ve learned never to judge anyone too quickly. Often, the last come first and the first will come last. A makeover can really change someone’s appearance and your opinion on them. Also, the most important thing about modeling isn’t being the prettiest person in the room. It’s the ability to change. How much of a chameleon are you? The best and most successful models are the ones that change easily and often.

Has anybody ever surprised you over the course of a season?

I get surprised all the time!

The Face is known for bringing the drama in every episode. What crazy moments had to be left on the cutting room floor? (You can totally tell us!)
 
Nothing! We don’t leave anything too good on the cutting room floor.

What’s the absolute worst mistake any contestant can make on The Face? Our guess is “trusting other contestants.”

The worst mistake they can make is not believing in themselves. We believe in them. They wouldn’t be here if we didn’t.

New episodes of The Face air Wednesdays at 10/9c on Oxygen (Channel 251)