Controversial 'America's Next Top Model' contestant Ann Ward took home the top prize in last night's season finale -- much to her own shock. When host Tyra Banks showed her winning final photo, Ward burst into tears and hid her face in her hands. Derided the whole season for her tall, skinny figure (Ward is 6'2'' and very thin), Ward had the 'best photo' for 5 weeks in a row and was the subject of much media scrutiny.

TV Squad chatted with Ward about her victory, what she has to say to the media's 'anorexia' accusations and what message she hopes her victory sends to the 'ANTM' fans.

How did it feel when you were up there, after winning the title?
It was just outrageous. I really wasn't expecting to win, so it was a big shock.

You were happy to make it to the final two?
The final four made me nervous, because I hadn't done emotional editorial before. And the final four [models] were really strong, so I wasn't sure what my odds were.

What made you try out for 'Top Model' in the first place? What was it that intrigued you?
I never thought about trying out for the show before, but got a message from a casting agent, Amy Lee, who thought I had a good look for the season, so I went ahead and auditioned. I really wanted an opportunity to break into the industry since I'd been struggling with it for being tall.

I can imagine that would be tough. I've watched the whole season and know how you eat a lot, but some of the things I'm seeing online right now are speculating you have an eating disorder. Do you have anything to say to that, other than you eat a lot?
[Laughs] Well... I just think I'm healthy the way I am. Whatever size you are naturally is just what's healthy for you. I can eat a lot and have a fast metabolism. I do try to eat a balanced diet, but my size right now is what fits me. And whatever size you are fits you.

And you know how lucky you are too, right, to be able to eat whatever you want?
[Laughs] Yeah.

How did your family react to your victory?
They were really emotional. My mom, I called her right after the finale, said she had just stopped crying about it.

And do you think your brother is going to mooch off your success?
[Laughs] Probably.

How much has the win changed your life?
The biggest change, I think, is being able to read all of the messages I receive from people (on Facebook and Twitter) who are saying they're inspired by me. They say they've become more confident because I've become more confident. That was really surprising. I never thought I'd be such a big deal to some people.

So how much work have you been doing? Have you been booking shoots and that sort of thing?
I've had to wait for the finale to start working, but I'm really hoping to get busy soon. I've got something lined up for tonight, but after the holiday season I want to work hard to get more exposure and to maybe land more magazines.

Well, [designer Roberto] Cavalli seemed to like you, so that's a plus. Do you still keep up with the other girls?
Oh, definitely. We all still text -- we get in contact a lot.

And do you have a favorite shoot this season? I can assume it wasn't the roller skate one.
[Laughs]

Physical scares from that one?
[Laughs] Yeah. My favorite shoot? That would be the fallen angel one. It was a really, really beautiful concept and it was kind of fun to be suspended in the middle of air.

And, so, do you think your win sends a message out to any tall or gawky girls?
I really hope that my win has helped a lot of people with their struggles, like the ones I've been through, like bullying or just getting stared at. I hope I can help people and something good can come out of the win. I know that a lot of people have been telling me they're inspired by me, so I'm hoping that's true.