A couple of weeks ago we reported that CariDee English, winner of cycle 7 of the Tyra Banks’ reality show “America’s Next Top Model,” was hospitalized for dehydration. We didn’t buy the whole “dehydration” excuse, and now the National Enquirer smells a rat, too.

“America’s Next Top Model” winner CariDee English recently attempted suicide by taking an overdose of pills just hours after joining other celebrities for the grand opening of a new casino, The Enquirer has learned exclusively.

“She was so scared,” said an insider. “She kept saying she didn’t mean to do what she did.”

The near-tragedy occurred in the early morning hours of May 18 after the opening ceremonies at Connecticut’s MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino.

Sexy blonde CariDee, 23, had strutted her stuff for photographers on the red carpet and then attended a party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs.

“She was drinking pretty heavily at that party, a lot of wine,” said the insider. “At about 4 a.m., someone from her room called down to the front desk and asked that security report to the room.

“CariDee was in sweatpants and a cut-off T-shirt sitting on the toilet, saying that she took about 10 pills for depression and anxiety.

“She said it was a stupid thing. She was feeling depressed because she was having problems with her boyfriend. She was pretty well intoxicated and was slurring her words.”

[From The National Enquirer print version, June 9, 2008]

In her sweatpants, on the toilet? Damn, that must be embarrassing! Reportedly, hotel security called for an ambulance to transport her to the hospital, where she was admitted and stayed for several days. I should also add that in the photos taken of her “strutting her stuff” on the carpet, she looks totally wasted. At this point, the shame of being on a Tyra Banks program probably doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

In the weeks prior to the overdose, CariDee broke up with her longtime boyfriend from her hometown, and is now reportedly dating Tyson Beckford. It’s not clear which of them she was referring to.

Get well soon, CariDee.

CariDee English is shown at the CW Network 2008 Upfronts on 5/13/08, thanks to WENN.