America's Next Top Model is ending

Tyra Mail: after 12 years and 22 seasons, America's Next Top Model is coming to an end.

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Creator and host Tyra Banks broke the news on Twitter this morning, saying she believed this season would be the last:

She later confirmed the announcement, saying the last ever episode would officially air on December 4 (her birthday).

While it's sad news for all involved, we have no doubt Banks has something else amazing up her sleeve.

The supermodel has been trying to revive ANTM since 2012, when ratings started to slide. As an attempt to keep connection with a younger audience, Banks tried incorporating a social media aspect to the show - which worked for a time, but ultimately led to the show's demise, with the CW network saying it was transitioning away from a focus on teen girls.

"'America's Next Top Model' was a successful franchise for two networks, first at UPN and then The CW, and it became not just a ratings hit, but a global pop culture phenomenon," said CW president Mark Pedowitz.

"I want to thank Tyra and Ken for all their years of success in establishing a show that was not just popular in the U.S., but all across the world."

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In response, Banks said she was proud of what the show had achieved and the fact she'd helped expand the definition of beauty.

"I set out to create a show where Perfect is Boring," wrote Banks on Istagram. "I hope you continue to love your freckles, your moles, your big forehead, your big eyes, your small eyes, your pointy chin, your tiny boobs, your full chest, your ivory or ebony skin (or every color in between) - the stuff about you that makes you well...you."