Catfights start early at models’ boot camp

A round of applause is necessary for this season’s cast of “America’s Next Top Model.”

While a few too-skinny girls are still vying for the title, it appears the ultra-thin model dilemma that is plaguing the runways has played a part in casting this season.

The show premieres with a two-hour special at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, on The CW with Tyra Banks back in the seat as host.

Speaking of Tyra, I love that she’s gained some weight herself and is happily eating pancakes.

She remains tough on the potential “Top Models,” and when the 32 candidates fly to Los Angeles, they immediately head to model boot camp to gear up for the competition.

The catfights begin early this season, and one of the 13 finalists is left confused over the first photo shoot which is reportedly “controversial.”

Controversy continues as well on Bravo with “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

Overbearing mom Vicki gets a surprise when she visits Michael unannounced. I’m not surprised, however, because at times she’s a bit much.

It’s obvious that she loves her children – and as a reality soap opera there has to be lots of drama – but Vicki needs to back off before she pushes her children completely out of the picture.

Vicki’s not the only one with drama. Jo tries to get her music career off the ground (I think she hit more than one sour note). Lauri deals with life while in love, and Jeana speaks her mind on Sirius Playboy Radio.

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Check out episode eight at 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 6.

And lastly, this just in.

The complete cast of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars 4” was announced this week, and according to the reality TV blurred Web site, the network “is stretching the definition of ‘star’ with at least half of its cast.”

The season debuts mid-March.

The somewhat-celebrity contestants include Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno, “Sopranos'” actor Vincent “Big Pussy” Pastore, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Muhammad Ali’s boxing daughter Laila Ali, Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey, and supermodel and Playboy model Paulina Porizkova.

Don’t forget to log on to the Reality Bytes blog at www.bangornews.com for updates, gossip and premiere reminders.