America’s Next Top Model will include male contestants

For almost a decade America’s Next Top Model has been a female-only contest, but male contestants will be accepted for the first time starting with the show’s next season.

Tyra Banks, the series’ creator and host, took to Twitter to convey her excitement, writing: “ANTM 20. Bring on the boys!”

Both male and female models will live in the same house, and all will battle it out to be crowned winner.

America’s Next Top Model first aired in 2003, and there have since been 19 cycles of the series.

It was confirmed yesterday that cycle 20 will debut in 2013 on the CW network, although a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.

It is only known that the show will start airing in summer instead of the fall, in a bid to boost ratings.

There is also no word on who will feature on the judging panel.

Tyra Banks shook up the series when she parted ways with Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J Alexander.

The three were replaced with male model Rob Evans, Johnny Wujek as photo shoot creative consultant and social media correspondent Bryanboy.

The judge panel for Cycle 19 also saw the addition of Kelly Cutrone.

America’s Next Top Model is currently in the midst of its 19th cycle, which stars college students.