Although Tyra Banks was at the helm of America's Next Top Model , the noughties show would have been nothing without it's fan favourite judging panel trio: Jay Manuel, Miss J. Alexander, and Nigel Barker.
Over 17 cycles, Nigel was far more than just a judge seated alongside Tyra. Admittedly considered the show's 'eye-candy' at the time, he also brought a sense of credibility: a former international model turned fashion photographer who understood exactly what it took to build, and sustain, a career in the cut-throat modelling industry. For nearly two decades, he was a fixture of the ANTM franchise - and when he eventually departed, it marked the end of an era.
Who is Nigel Barker? Is he married? And what has he said about life after the show? Here's what you need to know about the former ANTM judge.
Nigel is a former model turned photographer, best known for appearing on the judging panel of America's Next Top Model. Born 27 April, 1972, he's currently 53 years old (making him a practical and loyal Taurus.)
Nigel was born in London, England. His mother was Sri Lankan, a former Miss Sri Lanka contestant. Opening up about his upbringing on Netflix's new documentary, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model , Nigel said,'My mother's success as a fashion model gave her the ability to go to the UK and start a completely new life. We were acutely aware of what fashion and beauty could do.'
Yes - Nigel has been married to former model Cristen Barker, 51, since 1999. It was said the pair first met as fashion models in Milan, going on to marry and welcome two children together.
Cristen is best known for being one of the Chin Twins duo, alongside her twin sister Kimberly. The pair have an Instagram account where they post them modelling together (all shot by Nigel, obvs...)
After attending boarding school, Nigel initially had hopes for a career in medicine. However, his mother entered him into a televised model search on The Clothes Show - and after making it to the final, his career in modelling took off.
He modelled for around 10 years, before making the switch in 1996 to photography. He revealed on Reality Check, 'I looked at the industry and thought, well, if I want to stay here, there's only one side of the camera I need to be on, and it's not this side.'
He went on to open his own studio in Manhattan, shooting campaigns for the like of Nine West, Ted Baker, Sony and Ford. In 2012, he teamed up with Taylor Swift to shoot a photobook of her titled 8 Hours , as well as judged on a few Miss America and Miss Universe pageants.
Alongside a few film cameos - including 2014's The Radical and 2011's Arthur alongside Russell Brand - Nigel's also turned his attention to the world of alcohol. He's co-founder of The Barker Company, a ready to shake espresso martini.
Nigel appeared on ANTM from 2004 until 2011, initially brought onto the judging panel to 'balance out' the fiery Janice Dickinson. On Netflix's documentary, it was alleged the network said they wanted a judge who was 'good looking, white and straight.'
Opening up about his role on the show, Nigel said, 'I didn't need to be the mean one or the funny one. I would be the straight man, eye candy, and luckily that was my role on the show.'
But while Nigel certainly avoided some of the other scandals that swept judges, he did admit on the documentary that mistakes were made. One of these admissions came when he was asked about Danielle Evans, a Cycle 6 model who had her tooth gap closed on camera. 'With Danielle and the gap between her teeth, I myself thought that was a bad idea,' he recalled. 'I just thought she looked great with the gap between her teeth, and that perfection is boring. Not my decision, but it's the decision, you know?'
In 2012, it was announced that Nigel, Jay Manuel, and Miss J Alexander would all be leaving ANTM . It came off the back of a network shakeup, intended to boost falling ratings.
Although the trio initially intended to put out a joint statement, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model revealed that news of their 'firing' was leaked to Page Six.
Calling it 'mercenary,' Nigel said, 'That was probably the lowest point for me. It was difficult because I didn't have a backup plan at that point, because I had been on Top Model for 17 seasons, and had been really in this show growing up with my family. It was disappointing and we felt a little betrayed.'
It was something Tyra addressed on the Netflix doc, revealing she 'let go of three of my hearts' when Nigel, Jay and Miss J left the show. 'I don't believe they knew it came from above,' she said, 'no matter how much Ken Mok and I were explaining this was not our decision. To this day, I think they think that it was me and Ken.'
It's reported Nigel has an estimated worth of approximately $45 million - which isn't all too surprising given his impressive career and business ventures...
If you want to keep up with Nigel's post- ANTM life, you can find him on Instagram @nigelbarker !
Watch Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model on Netflix now.
Charlotte Roberts is a writer at Grazia UK, specialising in SEO. She spends her days covering everything celebrity, culture, and entertainment - from film review roundups to cast explainers.
Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
All registered in England and Wales. VAT no 918 5617 01
H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898)
Loading comments…