Stage fright ... Jodhi Meares has quit her role as host of Australia`s Next Top Model / Foxtel
Meares quits Australia`s Next Top Model
Follows no-show on the series
Role made her vomit with fear
SHE was slaughtered for her deer-in-the-headlights style on live TV, now Jodhi Meares has put herself out of her misery - quitting her role as host of Australia`s Next Top Model.
Despite assurances from Foxtel management she would return to the star-maker show - following her controversial no-show for this year`s finale - Confidential understands a humiliated Meares made the decision to leave the program last week.
The embattled former Mrs James Packer banished herself from the popular fashion series, which begins its fifth season next month, after ultimately being overwhelmed by repeated bouts of stage fright.
Yesterday, a Foxtel spokesman said it was too early to confirm a replacement host, but Meares`s Top Model cohort Charlotte Dawson is widely tipped to take the top job.
Meares, who has kept a low profile since the fallout from July`s no-show engulfed her private and professional lives, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
Foxtel boss Brian Walsh continued his praise for Meares` "invaluable contribution" to the show.
"Jodhi brought an earthiness and honesty to the role of host, which endeared her to contestants and viewers alike.
Her down-to-earth demeanour was an asset which helped take the show to great success and I would like to publicly express to Jodhi our gratitude," he said.
"I understand and accept her decision to leave Australia`s Next Top Model but I am pleased to say that we have agreed to explore other television projects in the future."
While the model series has been a runaway ratings success story for Foxtel, it has been distracted by the headline-grabbing dramas of its hosts since the start.
Original host Erika Heynatz drew the ire of Walsh after she used her role on the show to gain a place on free-to-air TV, signing on as a contestant for Seven`s It Takes Two karaoke series.
Meares then drew the critics` attention with her obviously terrified performance hosting the 2006 finale, after which she admitted vomiting with fear before going on camera.
Her working relationship with her long-time manager Priscilla Leighton-Clarke, who acts as a judge on the show, also became a casualty in the fallout from her second frozen finale.
Meares split with the premier Sydney agent after clashing over the terms of her contract, which required her to perform in the live show. She steadfastly refused.
In miserable timing for Meares, her TV woes coincided with the personal joy of her former husband James Packer, who welcomed his first child with wife Erica.
At the time, friends close to the sometime Tigerlily swimwear designer had sought comfort and refuge in the Church of Scientology.
While Packer is believed to have distanced himself from the controversial religion, Meares instead turned to its beliefs and tight circle for support.
The rumoured move had industry colleagues and close friends concerned she was not coping with the scrutiny of a TV star`s life.
Meares made the decision to leave the program last week
