Elimination from the New Zealand's Next Top Model house has unleashed nationwide media interest in Holly Reid.
The 19-year-old Oamaru woman was the wildcard contestant _ voted by the public _ and spent two episodes on the show before going home last week.
She told The Oamaru Mail that
readjusting to normal life had been challenging and busy.
After her elimination, the Countdown checkout operator travelled back to Auckland where she had media interviews with The Edge radio station, MoreFM, Drew and Shannon Live and magazines.
Keeping her situation secret had felt like it went on for "ages" and the only people who knew were immediate family.
"I had two days' notice when I had to be in Auckland, so I had to tell my boss why," she said.
"I told her I got some very good news."
While Holly is now constantly asked if there were any personality clashes between the models, she insists they were all good friends.
"They were so lovely when I arrived," she said.
"I stayed in Auckland the night before and got told I was going into the house the next morning.
"So I didn't have much time to dwell on it."
After the first episode in which she appeared, Holly says she was "feeling quite good" but by the next elimination round felt ill.
"My spirit was a bit down. I came back quite soon after (elimination) and people were recognising me.
"Now I'm looking forward to seeing the other episodes _ I'm a huge fan."
Holly's trademark red bob, which featured in a dramatic makeover episode, has now had to return to its dark brown colour, but she says she did like it.
She has also had a lot of encouragement from Countdown customers.
"I'm incredibly surprised ... people are coming through my checkout saying they voted for me. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone in the Oamaru community."
Holly said she would "definitely" do it all again given the chance, and was still interested in getting into the modelling industry.
She will stay in Oamaru for the rest of the year, but hopes to head to the University of Otago next year to study interior design and join an agency.
