BINTM - Episode 3

This is it guys, the episode we’ve been waiting for... Episode 3: Makeover week! Easily one of the most entertaining episodes in any series, makeover week promises more tears shed than inches lost from the model’s long, luscious locks. Only this time, series 9 saw something never seen before in the history of Britain and Irelands Next Model...  two girls refusing point blank to participate in the make-over. That’s right, both Saffron and Abigail failed to step up to the mark as they said no to Elle’s suggestion of getting their hair cut. This, understandably, left Elle ‘Pissed...actually’ and the other judges questioning the two girl’s commitment to the competition. After-all,  it’s no secret that being a model means changing yourself to meet a clients demands, so it’s not a good sign to see Saffron and Abigail so unwilling to change at such an early and crucial stage.

Refusals aside, the other 11 girls got on with the makeovers like champs, although none of the changes were too drastic. My favourite transformations were Angel and Holly who received the sleek-treatment with added blunt fringe. For both girls, the introduction of a fringe framed their faces perfectly and really highlighted their best features, especially Holly’s cheekbones. I would have liked to see something more extreme in the makeovers, but this year’s models, from the beginning, have been pretty en-point style wise, so I guess there wasn’t too much to change and improve on!

Following the makeovers, the girls were sent into the countryside full of anticipation about this week’s photo-shoot. With the girls contemplating all the possibilities, it wasn’t long before Tyson introduced to them to their co-star, Olympian Louis Smith and his faithful horse... a pommel horse that is! Yes, this week’s photo-shoot was all about showing strength and perseverance... both crucial qualities needed for the model world, wouldn’t you agree? One by one the girls, assisted by Louis, took turns to mount the horse in all sorts of impressive and, in some cases, slightly awkward poses. For so early in the competition, a lot of the girls excelled in this challenge and we only experienced one melt-down from Emma as she questioned her literal strength. Sarah, Lauren, Holly and Angel stood out for me as they worked their new looks to their advantage. Danielle was the weakest in my opinion, but I really don’t think her outfit did her any favours as she reminded me of an un-ripened banana.

Despite the makeover fiasco for Abigail and Saffron, Danielle’s monotonous poses and fruit impersonations just didn’t hit the mark and she was sent packing by Elle, Dannii and Tyson. 

A lucky escape for Abigail and Saffron, but I believe they both still have something to give in the competition and Abigail even admitted that she would now cut her hair. Danielle is a beautiful girl (I can’t help but think of Michelle Keagan when I see her) but her look is very ‘soft’ and in a competition like this where the bar is so high, I agree with the judges that she was definitely the weakest overall this week.