Eagle-eyed TV viewers have spotted a familiar face on the promo ad for the next season of New Zealand's Next Top Model.
A Hastings teenager has been spotted, believed to be a student at Hastings Girls' High School, and piqued the interest of the show's fans at the Hawke's Bay Todayoffice.
Principal Geraldine Travers said today she had heard the rumours and confirmed the girl in question was absent from school.
Mediaworks publicist Polly Viccars could neither confirm nor deny the report.
"It's top secret, I'm afraid," she said, but could divulge that this season's crop was "really strong, with very different looks. We never go out with the intention of looking for a Danielle or Dakota".
The Hastings model hopeful would already be living at the "model house" at an undisclosed glamorous location in Auckland. Filming began a few weeks ago and would continue for "several weeks". Thirteen model hopefuls will stay at the house until voted out by the judges.
Mediaworks was keeping a tight lid on the contestants' identities and the shows details, and Miss Viccars said photo shoots were conducted like a "military operation" to keep snooping media at bay. She said keeping mum was essential.
"We're very conscious of wanting things to be exciting.We like it to be a surprise."
It also gave the girls a chance to extend their "normal" lifestyle for as long as possible before the show launched them into the realm of national celebrity.
Miss Viccars said this season there was a strong showing of bigger-sized models, size 12 or more, who had made the top 120 short list.
News of a Bay girl on the show brought to mind the success of Hastings teenager Ruby Higgins, who came fourth in the first season in 2009.
Ruby remained one of the most popular and successful models from the show.
This month, she was voted New Zealand's favourite top model contestant on the show's Facebook site.
