Supermodel Elle MacPherson Is to step down as presenter of TV design competition Fashion Star.

The Australian beauty, once dubbed The Body, will not return to host the show in its upcoming second series, although the judges - singer Jessica Simpson, designer John Varvatos and socialite Nicole Richie - will remain on the panel.

Macpherson will stay on board as the contest's executive producer.

She tells the New York Post, "I have been involved with Fashion Star from the beginning, and am very proud to see it come to life, not only in America but globally. The show is in great hands, and although I will not be hosting this season, I will still be very involved (and) will be reviewing the format for the upcoming season."

The program offers unknown fashion designers the chance to launch their lines in the largest retail stores in the U.S.