'Next Top Model' headed for Canada

Canada has become the eleventh country to get its own localised version of the Next Top Model reality series.

Casting for Canada's Next Top Model begins today (Monday) with a view to a May 2006 premiere on local broadcaster Chum TV.

"Canada has been the source of so many of the world's modeling superstars, so it's only natural that a search for the next top model would take place here," said Roma Khanna, svp of content at Chum TV.

Tricia Helfer, former Victoria's Secret model and Maxim regular, has been tapped to host.

Other countries to have picked up the format include the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The original US series is now in its fifth season.