BINTM - Episode 5

It was literally sink or swim this week on Britain and Irelands Next Top Model as the girls had their first underwater shoot. 

Before the girls were plunged into the icy waters (they probably weren’t that cold, but it sounds dramatic right?) they were sent on a master-class photo-shoot with Elle and celebrity photographer Nicky Johnston. The aim of the game was all about ‘Finding Their Light’ and the girls were given five attempts to get the perfect shot before Elle stepped in to show them how it was done. Whilst some girls struggled to work the harsh light in their favour, Sarah impressed everyone and won the challenge. 

Now, as with most challenges, Sarah got to choose three other girls to join her on her prize, which this week was a night out. Sarah chose Emma, Abigail and Saffron. You'd be forgiven for thinking this was an odd choice, Emma herself pointed out how very little in common the girls had. Saffron looked like the wind had been knocked out of her when Sarah said her name, which at first, looked a little odd, but we have since learnt that there had been a disagreement between the pair earlier off camera. Was this Sarah’s attempt at waving the white flag? Whatever it was, it made for an awkward night...

Sarah’s time on cloud nine didn’t last long though as she plummeted back down to earth with an almighty thump... or rather, splash, as the girls learnt they had to do their next photo-shoot underwater. Sarah’s fear of the deep signalled failure and everyone held their breath as she took to the water. Luckily though, after a bit of reassurance from Tyson she put on a brave face and did a fantastic job. All credit to her, she put her job in front of her fears and performed well, it truly showed how much Sarah wants this. 

Whilst some girls looked liked they’d spent their whole life in the sea as mermaids - our particular favourites were Emily and Holly, others really struggled to get in the right position underwater to produce a good shot, which made way for many unflattering angles. 

Abigail and Emma’s shots failed to impress the judges, and whilst Sarah managed to continue on up her ladder of success by being awarded best photo, it was Abigail who was sent packing this week after being in the bottom four for the fourth week in a row. 

For me, this was the right choice as although Abigail has an amazing body thanks to her dancing, I just never saw her as a ‘model’, and compared to the other girls I never saw her as serious and hungry enough for the competition. It was a bad week for Emma, but luckily she was saved thanks to her previous successes. Hopefully this blip of a week will only her push her forward as I really think she has potential. I am so glad to see Sarah finally come into her own and pushing through her insecurities to get the photos she deserves. I look forward to watch her grow even more as the competition continues!

By @KellyJoanneT