Brenda ('America's Next Top Model')

Brenda Arens's first few days on America's Next Top Model were definitely memorable. The 24-year-old from Texas dissolved into tears when she had her long locks chopped into a short style, then stripped naked except for a watch for her debut photoshoot. This week's challenge saw the models posing as New York women on the subway, but Brenda's "student" look left the panel unimpressed and she became the latest girl to pack her bags and head home. We gave her a call to chat about her experience.

Was it a shock to land in the bottom two?
"Oh, definitely. I had really good pictures the previous two weeks and I felt like I always carried myself very professionally, next to Alasia I was just like, 'What?!' I was very, very shocked."

What did you make of Tyra saying you lacked "fire and desire"?
"I respect the judges, I really do, but like I said, I have to disagree. I got out of two modelling contracts to be on the show. I definitely didn't lack any desire. Maybe what she meant was that I didn't embrace the edgy haircut she gave me as much as she wanted me to, but as far as lacking desire, modelling is my passion."

Looking back to that haircut, what was going through your mind? Did they tell you what they were planning?!
"They didn't tell me at all! In fact, Mr Jay walked up and asked the hairdresser, 'Are these razor-sharp?' And he said, 'Yes', and it took the hair right off. When you've had long hair for 20 years it's a shock. You just try to roll with it and do the best you can."

Have you gone back to the long hair, then?
"I am in the process of growing it out. It's to the bottom of my nose right now, it's at a very awkward stage! I want to get it chin-length, I think that will look really cute."

How do you think your picture compared to the other girls this week?
"I rather liked my picture. Jay told me the previous week what was prettier on me and I always tried to take his advice, so my eyes were looking up more to the left of me than necessarily straight to camera. I think it came out really beautiful but unfortunately the judges weren't impressed. There were three girls that actually looked to the side but they loved their pictures. It was sad."

You met last season's winner Nicole Fox on the shoot. Did she give you any advice?
"I got a chance to talk to her real briefly. She was just saying try to stay out of the drama and focus on yourself, we all have flaws and something that is unique about us. I definitely listened."

What sparked the row between you and Angelea?
"She has always been very intimidated by me and is on me, on me, on me. The limo was the height of the thing between Alasia and Jessica and I just happened to be sitting between. I think Angelea was defending Alasia and saying not to worry about us, and after somebody calls you the B-word so many times, I have a backbone and I'm going to stand up for myself. I thought she was very uneducated because that was the only insulting word she knew."

Do you agree with Krista that the house is divided in two?
"Yes, we can only be so nice for so long. I definitely noticed the divide. I think it's more because of how we were raised, our backgrounds, where we came from. You found in the house who you have the most in common with. I think that's what sparked the divide."

You said you were excited about meeting Tyra. How was she?!
"She has a genuine personality about her. She is definitely a businesswoman, but I do see a softer side to her and she seems to genuinely care about the girls. I didn't get to spend too much time with her, but from how much I did, I was impressed. And she's very beautiful!"

What are your plans for now?
"I'm back home in Houston, Texas, and I have several opportunities and I plan to go back to modelling. I love the runway and want to break into commercials. I possibly might go to LA and try my hand out there, I'm excited for my future!"

America's Next Top Model continues on Mondays at 9pm on Living.