The Face with Naomi Campbell

24 aspiring models, 3 mighty mentors, a contract with Max Factor and only 1 winner. Okay, maybe 2 winners…

Make no mistake, The Face mentors - Naomi Campbell, Erin O’Connor and Caroline Winberg - are as hell-bent on winning Sky Living’s reality show as the new models competing for the top prize.

At a preview screening and Q&A hosted by Nick Grimshaw in Covent Garden today, the mentors – who have nearly 60 years industry experience between them (credit to Naomi for clocking 27) – talked through the show’s concept and their own careers.

‘This is an inside job’ says Erin, ‘With bonafide fashion contributors. It’s very real.’

We can confirm The Face is very funny as well. The chemistry between the three judges is brilliant. All three women have worked together in various capacities throughout their careers. ‘It’s like a reunion being with Naomi and Caroline. We just have to drop the friends thing,’ said Erin.

Naomi describes herself as ‘the drill sergeant.' Predictably, she’s tough love all the way: ‘You’re not here to make friends’ she reminds #teamNaomi. Repeatedly.

The competition is on! Despite some very convincing fighting talk – from ‘sneaky and cheeky’ Caroline too – Naomi insists ‘I am not actually very confident. I’m always nervous backstage before a catwalk show. It’s live, anything can happen.’

The mentoring experience has made all three judges reflect on their early days in the industry. ‘It was Gianni Versace who taught me how to walk,' said Erin. 'He said: ‘I’m going to teach you how to walk like a woman.' I’ve always been the wild card of the industry. I think I represented an anarchic change accidentally. I hope I brought attitude and personality. That became a form of beauty. It was my liberation as a twisted teen.’