'Top Model' judge fired because of economy

The producer of America's Next Top Model has claimed that they were forced to fire judge Paulina Porizkova because of the economy.

Former supermodel Porizkova, who joined the reality TV series to replace the departing Twiggy last year, had initially suggested that she was given the axe because of her ego.

Speaking to Us Weekly, executive producer Ken Mok said: "The current state of the economy has forced shows to make major budget cuts industry wide, and America's Next Top Model is not immune to these financially challenging times."

He went on to say that the show had been forced to "make significant cuts in every area of the production" and that "unfortunately, Paulina was a casualty of these cuts".

Mok added: "Tyra, who pursued Paulina to join the show as a judge multiple times, was incredibly saddened by the decision the show was forced to make. We really enjoyed working with Paulina, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours."