IT'S hard to imagine that the claws won't come out when 12 aspiring models with different personalities are housed under one roof for two months.

Local full-time models Petrina Ann, 18, and Danielle Lim, 23, are Singapore's representatives in the third season of Supermodelme, a reality TV series that pits contestants from Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia against one another for the grand prize of $20,000 and a shot at being Asia's next top model.

The pair said that there was a lot of "real drama" that went on during filming in Singapore, courtesy of one model in particular whom Petrina and Danielle avoided - Jacqueline M, 18, from the Philippines.

Petrina, who is of Indian and Eurasian ancestry and who has been modelling since she was 15, told TheNew Paper: "Jacqueline is nice and she's my roommate, but we just didn't click."

Danielle added: "I just stay away from her. I like to watch drama, and not to be involved in it! "(Petrina and I) are both very quiet people, so that's a good thing as we don't offend anybody."

But conflict attracts attention.

Less screen time

Aren't they worried that being wallflowers will result in less screen time?

"It's true, but I refuse to put on an act just to be good entertainment," Petrina said.

Petrina and Danielle might be competitors, but the girls developed an affinity instantly and never failed to cheer each other on.

Coincidentally, the girls were also both from CHIJ Toa Payoh Secondary School.

"We're Team Singapore all the way!" added Petrina.

Following the format of the popular US reality series America's Next Top Model, Supermodelme contestants will be evaluated on their performances in various challenges and one girl will be eliminated each week.

The hour-long show, hosted by Hong Kong-based US model-VJ Lisa Selesner, will premiere on March 26 over Channel 5 and KIX (StarHub Ch 518).

Petrina and Danielle were chosen from this season's crop of 300 applicants.

Said Danielle, who was a gymnast for seven years before joining her first modelling competition at 19: "I've always wanted to join since I watched Season 1.

"So when I came across the casting call on Facebook for Season 3, I told myself I must not miss it this time."

For Petrina, it was another avenue to develop her modelling career.

She was first runner-up in this year's Ford Supermodel Of The World (Singapore) and a Top 20 finalist in The New Paper's New Face competition last year.

A valuable lesson she learnt from being on Supermodelme was the ability to handle criticism well.

She revealed: "It was difficult at first as you're on your own and in the company of strangers. But you just have to suck it up and deal with it."

Added Danielle: "I learnt that one must work hard and do whatever you can to fulfil your dream."

So were the girls concerned that they would be portrayed in a negative light on the show? "No. My family and friends know who I am. I don't care what strangers think about me," said Danielle.

Petrina agreed: "The show is out for everyone to see. How people want to perceive us is up to them. It's just entertainment."

This article was first published in The New Paper.