Its British Invasion-themed cycle 18 hits the CW in a week, and America's Next Top Model has already gotten the greenlight from the network to go ahead with its next installment.

In keeping with her promise that there would be no more "normal" cycles of Top Model, Tyra Banks's latest season of her reality modeling competition will be a "college edition." Whatever that means.

The early pickup is typical proceedings in Top Model territory, so the series can get a head-start on casting its next batch of contestants. Casting calls have already begun, and will continue at least through the beginning of March.

As for the British Invasion about to hit our shores -- err, screens -- the network has already released photos and details about the 14 contestants, seven of whom come to us as alumni from the various cycles of Britain's Next Top Model. None of them succeeded in snagging a win in their native country, so they're crossing the Atlantic to try for a shot at the American title. If one of the seven fresh-faced American models doesn't beat them to it.

In keeping with cycle 18's "culture clash" theme, the girls will first compete in a patriotic runway show, and then move on to their first photo shoot, which will have them portraying "famous British and American figures." The Brits will get dressed up as Queen Elizabeth I, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse and others, while the American girls will take on looks including George Washington, Andy Warhol and Pocahontas.

America's Next Top Model: British Invasion premieres Wednesday, February 29 at 9pm on the CW.



(Image courtesy of CW)