America's Next Top Model contestants will soon have competition in the form of Canadian wannabe super models. A Canuck version of the hit show is in the works.

Tricia Helfer has large stilettos to fill.

The Donalda, Alta. supermodel/actor has been chosen to take Tyra Banks' place as host of Canada's Next Top Model, a homegrown version of Banks' America's Next Top Model .

"This is a great opportunity for the girls," says Helfer of the reality show model search which will start airing in May on Citytv.

"Canada is at the forefront of the modelling community right now. This will be a life-changing event for the girls. Everywhere I have been I hear people say how much they love working with Canadian models."

The 31-year-old Albertan says she has a lot to offer these girls because of her decade of experience.

"When I won the Ford Supermodel of the World contest I spent three weeks in L.A. competing against 35 other girls ... I know what it's like" she says.

"I am going to give them a realistic outlook of what they can expect. It's going to be a lot of fun, but I want to impress upon them that this is a business."

So does that mean Helfer will be a Simon Cowell-like judge.

"I am not going to try and be the mean one or the sweet one," she says. "I am going to be myself ... realistic, tough and sweet."

Roma Khanna, senior vice-president at CHUM Television, is thrilled to have to have the Battlestar Gallactica star as Canada's Next Top Model host.

"She has an enormous wealth of experience in both modelling and acting," Khanna says. "She can really mentor these women. But what she really brings is a wonderful kindness."

However, Khanna warns Helfer will be stern when she has to be.

"She is soft with a strong hand. But if tough love is needed, it will be there."

The Canada-wide search for participants has begun.

"We are really looking for women who have what it takes," says Khanna. "We want contestants with an unusual look that might not be your typical beauty. They have to have inner strength, work ethic, a great attitude, beauty and grace.

"Anything that will capture the world's imagination."

The criteria is demanding, because the rewards are big. "It's an opportunity for the winner to pursue her dream as a career and not just a hobby," she says. "The winner will have the whole CHUM TV machine behind them.

"All the women will get a chance to show Canada what they are capable of," Khanna says. "Because we are expecting so many applicants the nine that don't win are still winners for just being there."

The competition is open to women who are Canadian citizens aged 18-27 and must fill out the required forms (www.citytv.com/cntm/) and submit a five-minute audition tape.

The tape should include why you want to be Canada's Next Top Model, a full length runway shot, a bikini shot and a close-up of your face with no makeup.

The application deadline is Dec. 21. The 10 finalists will be announced in January.

America's Next Top Model is currently in its fifth season on Citytv.