Snowdon defends 'Top Model' anorexic

Lisa Snowdon has defended the producers of Britain's Next Top Model for allowing a recovering anorexic to compete on the programme.

The reality show had faced opposition after it emerged that 21-year-old hopeful Jade McSorley had been battling the eating disorder since childhood.

Speaking to The Sun, host Snowdon said: "The girls get thoroughly tested. That's crucial. Obviously she's underweight, but I was reassured by everyone that it's okay for her to be in the competition.

"There are people around her all the time making sure that she's eating so there was never any fear. I was a little bit concerned but not overly."

Snowdon, who was told to lose weight in her own days as a model, added: "We're showing Jade beautiful images of herself and she's starting to love herself.

"Rather than looking in the mirror and feeling unhappy, she can see these images and she can see how amazing she is. And because she wants to do it so badly, she will put on weight."

The finale of Britain's Next Top Model will air on July 6 at 8pm and 10pm on Living.