Rhys Uhlich, 25, came into focus when he shaved off his hair and won the Australian version of Make Me A Supermodel. His unassuming personality and great sense of humour helped shape his victory - well that and his good looks!

SOMEBODY chatted with Rhys about his recent movements.

You are currently in NYC as part of your prize. How is it going? Do you like the city?

I love NYC. I know everyone loves to jump on the bandwagon and say how fabulous it is, but I must say my love has taken some time to develop. Living in a city as opposed to just visiting are two very different things, and initially it was all very overwhelming. I chose to venture here on my own, which may have been seen as risky and even selfish but I felt like it was something I had to do...something I needed to learn and experience. I have been here over 2 months now and I finally feel like I'm finding my place.

NYC can eat you up. Your moods here change like the weather. One minute you are partying with Cameron Diaz, Lindsay Lohan and JT (all have happened over here), thinking how good is this, and the next you are struggling for work, feeling so insignificant in the most happening city in the world. There are so many talented and inspiring people - the best of the best really in all walks of life come to NYC - so it is intimidating and inspiring. Plus every second person you pass on the street is carrying a modelling portfolio...that can become disheartening. I think the best thing one can do is to enjoy all it has to offer without getting sucked into it. Remain yourself, believe in yourself, send the universe clear messages and good things will come. That is what got me here so that is what I am going to continue to do.

Has Jen (Hawkins) hooked you up with The Donald at Trump Towers?!

Well, I imagine Jen Is a busy girl, but no I haven’t been hooked up with the old DT. I'm not sure Donald would be as keen to help a guy as a girl somehow!

What motivated you to audition for Make Me A Supermodel?

It was a last minute decision to try something different and stop living my life by 'what ifs'.

And you were initially knocked back?

Yeah, I was actually booked to go to Byron Bay that night, and having arrived in the city a few hours early decided to try my luck at the audition. I told no one thinking I was no chance, and my thoughts were initially confirmed when I was knocked back straight away. I was in a rush to get my plane and didn’t have time to worry too much when one of the judges Martin Walsh caught me doing an interview and asked me back in for a second look. That put me into the Top 200, and the rest was a dream.

On MMAS you seemed a tad more comfortable posing alone - or with a snake - rather than with the female contestants. Fair assessment?

I guess. I was in a relationship with someone I loved very dearly at the time, but I think it was more my own insecurities that held me back. I think a couple of times I felt the pressure and lost a bit of faith. Some people think a personality like that won't survive in this industry, but I disagree. I think that one who is willing to learn and be open about their mistakes can succeed.

Some vocal family groups drew a long bow between your teaching career, modelling, and eating disorders. Were you upset by these attacks?

I wasn’t personally upset by the attacks. I was just a little distressed at whether I had let my students down, because they are the ones I care about most. The support they gave me probably gave me the drive to win the bloody thing!

You seemed to develop an older brother type relationship with Tom. Was it conflicting forming relationships with people who were essentially your competitors?

No, not at all. I see myself as a good judge of character and I knew that Tom would never be deceitful. The friendship I have formed with him and his mates in Sydney is on par with winning the show.

Apart from Tom have you stayed in touch with any of the other contestants?

I still keep in contact with Shanina who is also over in NYC with me. She is doing very well and I'm so happy and proud of her. She has never doubted how much she wanted this and it is a credit to see her doing so well.

Do you have any siblings and how do you function?

I have an elder sister Holly who I love to death. She inspires me in many ways. She has a tough gig as a social worker in St Kilda's infamous Grey Street and just looking at what she does on a day to day basis puts everything in life into perspective, not only the often fickle modelling world.

Can you tell us a bit about the Boche Colleciton?

Boche was the brainchild of my sis Holly and her mate Gus. They travelled to markets around the world 5 years back, sourcing good designs, designers and producers and would always Skype me showing their product asking for advice. I'd always had a love of fashion but in my old profession was almost too embarrassed to admit it. I guess with the show I decided to embrace it. I love wearing original and talking point things and I really feel Boche is capturing that. I basically just design stuff I want to wear and if people dig it, sweet. To be honest with my gigs over in NYC I have had to put it on the back burner of late but Holly and the team are going on with it in leaps and bounds.

What do you love about Melbourne?

Shit, what don’t I love about it. Being here is amazing, truly inspiring, but Melbourne just gets it, Melbourne people just get it. I’ll always call Melbs home and will always plug it as the best city in the world!

You've recently become a Butt Free City ambassador. WTF?

Bloody oath, as an avid surfer, and an anti-smoker I am appalled at the amount of butts I have to surf alongside and love that my profile allows me to campaign for things like this that I believe in.

What are some of the main misconceptions people have about you?

That I am just a nice guy. Or gay. I'm nice, but I know when it is time to work. The other one is just funny...I guess it is my girly voice. haha.

As a model do you have to believe in the brand you are selling - or is it simply a paid gig no questions asked?

It helps to believe in it, but a good model should be able to do either.

What are the downsides to reality TV fame?

I did feel the pressure of being a reality show winner...actually being a reality show person in general. I hate being pigeon-holed. No one puts more pressure on themselves to succeed and prove doubters wrong than me. I am learning to embrace the pressure though and let go of outcomes.

And the up?

Inspiring people, even if it's just one or two students. That makes everything worthwhile and makes me strive to succeed even further.

The original supermodels went on to open restaurants, be in movies, and trash hotel rooms. Any plans for the future outside modelling?

Modelling is just my current profession. TV docos, kids , family and surfing are my life and so I might open up a surf camp and school in Indonesia one day.

Would you consider a return to TV?

Of course I would. As I write this interview now, I'm actually in LA, looking to start acting courses and hook myself up with an agent…..I'm always pushing myself onto something new. I also have a background and a passion in TV documentary, so it would be my dream job to end up on a Getaway or similar.

And lastly...any plans to grow the hair back?

Maybe when I'm sitting back at my Balinese surf shack with a Bintang in a few years time! 

Thanks Rhys - we hope you kill it!