America's Next Top Model Fires J. Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker

Tyra Banks confirmed Friday that J. Alexander, Jay Manuel and Nigel Barker have been fired from America's Next Top Model via Twitter.

Fierce & love 2 my Nigel, Jay & Miss J. ANTM turned us in2 a family. Excited for what the future holds for us. XOXO, Banks tweeted.

In an official statement released by The CW, Banks and Executive Producer Ken Mok said, Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander have been an integral part of the America's Next Top Model brand and they helped turn this show into the household name it is today. They have been amazing assets to the show and will always be a part of the Top Model family. We will continue to actively work with each of them on future projects.

With the show on its 18^th season, ratings have dropped 45 percent over the years.

Barker told E!, it didn't come as a shock. There had been a discussion that ratings were down and that something like this would happen, he said.

On his personal website, Barker wrote, I will miss the cast, the crew and ANTM will always have a special place in my heart, having made life-long friendships with countless fond memories.

He looks forward to having more time to spend on other projects and told E!, he hopes to create his own show that focuses on some of his passions, like photography.

The network has not yet named replacements for the 19^th season, which will feature college-aged contestants.