Aussie Citira Corrigan is first Fit for Fashion grand winner

KUALA LUMPUR — Not only did 33-year-old Citira Corrigan’s whistle-bait figure in designer clothes earn for her deafening  applause during the Fit for Fashion finale that aired on STARWorld last night, but also a whopping $100,000 in cash prize.

The mom of three boys from Australia was proclaimed grand champion of Fit for Fashion, a reality TV show produced by Imagine Group with creator Riaz Mehta. The Malaysian National Arts Gallery was a witness to the feat. Citira bested 11 other contestants in the 10-week test of endurance and confidence through various intense fitness trainings and fashion challenges.

Citira also clinched an opportunity to appear on the cover of Fitness First Magazine, a trip to London from Kuala Lumpur via British Airways when direct flights kick off in May 2015, a complimentary stay in Baglioni Hotel in London and a £500 worth of shopping vouchers from Marks & Spencer.

Two other finalists who equally displayed impressive changes in physique were Australian Matthew “Matty” Kosub, 28, and Russian Kristina Pakhomova, 22.

Citira went into a sudden burst of joy when host Louise Roe, who also acted as one of the three judges, made the announcement. Citira’s name reverberated around the four corners of the Malaysian National Arts Gallery and all hands shot into the air in wild applause. The museum was turned into a fashion runway where the finalists competed for the last time via the Catwalk Performance modeling clothes by iconic designers Zandra Rhodes (British), Lord’s and Khoon Hooi who are both Malaysians.

Citira likened her journey in the competition to her experience in getting pregnant and giving birth to her three young boys.

“Fit for Fashion has been the most challenging, extraordinary, amazing experience in my life,” said Citira on her joining the show. “You know it was life-altering. I have not only transformed but I also felt I have metamorphosed into my true self. There have been amazing physical changes and some profound emotional and mental improvements. I am happier and feel more balanced.”

Asked about her next goal after this, Citira said in jest, “Ah, there isn’t one; I’m still processing (laughs).”

But kidding aside, Citira said she plans to go back to school and help women realize their dreams and fitness goals.

“I think a year from now, I am back (to) studying. I wanna finish what I started and I want to work in film and television since I want to be a writer. I want to write for film and TV because I have so many stories in my head that are all about connecting to people because that’s ultimately what film-television is about; start reaching out and this experience was a catalyst to getting me back in touch with that dream that I have. So, I’ll be doing that and, definitely the prize money is gonna help me in going back to school and I also want to find ways that I can give back, you know, that I can help women in their journey and achieve their dreams.”

Fit for Fashion began its broadcast on STARWorld last Oct. 16 with 12 contestants from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Russia and Australia. Each week, they had to go through arduous training regimes and strict diet guided by celebrity trainers Mitch Chilson and Christine Bullock. Fashion photographer Todd Tyler, on the other hand, was in-charge of the fashion challenges with a team of stylists. The weakest contestant was voted off by his peers. Filming the 10-episode show was done inside the luxurious Tanjung Jara Resort. 

The reality show was a partnership between Fitness First and Imagine Group that produced other hit shows including The Contender Asia, The Biggest Loser Asia, The Challenger and The Apartment.