"Top Model" spinoff heads to catwalk

Make-up artist Jay Manuel from the television show ''America's Next Top Model'' arrives at the Much Music Video Awards in Toronto, Ontario, June 18, 2006.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The CW is spinning off its hit reality series "America's Next Top Model."

The network has ordered a pilot for "Operation Fabulous," starring "Top Model" regulars Jay Manuel and J. Alexander and executive produced by "Top Model" chiefs Tyra Banks and Ken Mok.

On "Fabulous," "Jay and J," as Manuel and Alexander are called on "Top Model," will travel the country giving women makeovers. In various towns, the duo will select five participants and give them "Top Model"-style overhauls -- how to dress, wear their hair and makeup and bring out their confidence with the support of family, friends and their community.

The project seeks to capitalize on a fan-favorite "Model" segment, when contestants are given head-to-toe high-fashion makeovers supervised by Alexander.

Manuel and Alexander have been with "Model" since the series' debut on UPN in 2003. Manuel is the creative director of show's photo shoots; Alexander is a runway expert who has been a judge for the past few seasons.

"Model" airs twice a year on the CW. Although ratings have ebbed in recent years, the reality show remains the network's highest-rated series.

"Fabulous" would mark the third fashion-themed reality series on CW from Banks and Mok, who also executive produce the network's series "Stylista," slated to debut October 22, which features contestants vying for an editorial position at Elle magazine.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter