SYDNEY Producers of Australias Next Top Model have been left red faced after supermodel host Sarah Murdoch announced the wrong winner in what newspapers said was the countrys most awkward TV moment.

Murdoch, the daughter-in-law of media baron Rupert Murdoch, was close to tears after realising she had mistakenly announced Sydney 19-year old Kelsey Martinovich as the winner of the Foxtel TV series during the live finale.

Martinovich had completed her acceptance speech before Murdoch backtracked on stage to reveal the real winner from a public vote was 18-year-old Gold Coast rival Amanda Ware.

“I dont know what to say right now. Im feeling a bit sick about this,” Murdoch told a 2,000-strong live audience.

“Im so sorry. Oh my God, I dont know what to say. This is what happens when you have live TV folks, this is insane, insane, insane.”

Foxtel is owned by Australian phone company Telstra, Rupert Murdochs News Corp and Consolidated Media Holdings.

Foxtel publicity director Jamie Campbell on Wednesday blamed a miscommunication between series directors in a broadcasting truck control room and Murdoch on stage.

Series judge and fashion designer Alex Perry told Sydney radio that Murdoch had made a genuine mistake, denying accusations in media reports that the bizarre mix-up was a publicity stunt.

“Everybody wants to tag something sinister on it and say it was done for ratings. I know Sarah and I know the executive producer. Its just not their style,” Perry said.

Martinovich may have had a short-lived reign as Australias Next Top Model, but it wasnt all bad news as Foxtel said she would receive a A$20,000 ($19,360) cash prize and trip to New York as consolation, almost matching Wares series spoils.

Ware won an appearance in Harpers Bazaar magazine, a modelling contract, A$20,000, a trip to New York and a car. - Reuters