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BEAUTIES: Wek, left, and Nyong'o (PA)

SUPERMODEL ALEK Wek responded to Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o’s recent tribute by returning praises to the 12 Years A Slave star.

Nyong'o, who confessed that as a young girl she wished her skin would miraculously become lighter, said Alek’s skin colour boosted her own confidence as a teenager.

The Hollywood newcomer praised the 36-year-old South Sudanese British model, describing how she was inspired by her determination to succeed, and even mentioned Alek in her acceptance speech at Essence's Black Women in Hollywood award ceremony.

She said: "When I saw Alek, I inadvertently saw a reflection of myself that I could not deny. Now, I had a spring in my step because I felt more seen, more appreciated by the far away gatekeepers of beauty."

In response, Wek told E! News: ''I was very humbled. We are all very different, but as women we have to celebrate one another's beauty.

''I told [Lupita], 'You are so inspiring. Thank you so much for always saying those beautiful words about me!' ''

Wek said she shares a mutual respect for Nyong'o and added: ''Lupita made it not because of her skin colour, but because of her wonderful words of saying you should never let anyone stop you.

''No one can define you better than yourself. We all fall, but it's how you pick yourself up and dust yourself off.''