Model keeps Charlotte Dawson's memory alive

Model Megan Gale. Photo / Getty Images

Filming is starting on the 10th season of Australia's Next Top Model this weekend and new judge, model Megan Gale, thinks the show helps keep the memory of her friend Charlotte Dawson alive.

Gale is essentially filling former model Dawson's role as a judge on the Foxtel show following her death in 2014.

Charlotte Dawson died in 2014. Photo / Getty Images

"For me it's a great way to keep talking about her and how great she was for the show, and it's a great way to keep her memory alive," Gale told AAP.

Last season, a series of guest judges including Tyra Banks and Kelly Osbourne were brought in to rate the modelling hopefuls alongside longterm host Jennifer Hawkins and designer Alex Perry.

Gale has now signed up full time for the 10th season of the reality show alongside new mentors, models Jordan and Zac Stanmark.

She believes Dawson would be happy to see her in the role.

"I think she would be thrilled that I was sitting in her seat," she said.

"Whilst I definitely don't want to emulate what she did, or fill that place, I feel honoured to be sitting where she was."

Gale expects sparks may fly on the upcoming season between herself and Perry.

"Alex and I are not afraid to say what we think and we'll have a dig at each other," she said.

The model admitted that she had one gripe in particular with the fashion designer.

"He is renowned for really disapproving of shorter girls and I just think it's the most ridiculous stance. If he even starts that, I'm ready for him," she said.

Filming for the show will take place over 10 weeks and the Melbourne-based mum said it would be hard leaving her son to fly to Sydney to film the show. Gale is mother to River, who will turn 2 on May 13, with her partner, Richmond Football Club AFL star Shaun Hampson.

"He's definitely a Mummy's boy but he's getting to an age now where he's also learning about independence and wanting to do things for himself and be a little bit more independent," she said.

"So being away from him a lot over the next 10 weeks, while it won't be ideal I think it will be very good for the both of us to kind of cut the apron strings a bit and learn to be away from each other."

The 40-year-old mum also admitted that she would be tempted to have another baby.

"You do fall in love with them so much and all the different phases that they go through, and I love being pregnant too," she said.

"I love the idea of another one and perhaps giving him a little play friend."

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- AAP