Revelation that 'woman' is transsexual shelves reality TV show

By The Associated Press

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LONDON — An already taped reality show that set up six male contestants with what appeared to be a gorgeous woman but was actually a transsexual was put on the shelf yesterday.

The program, "Find Me A Man," challenged the contestants to woo a leggy South American brunette called Miriam. Only at the end of the show did the men learn that Miriam was a preoperative transsexual.

The law firm Schillings, acting on behalf of the six men, wrote Thursday to Sky One television and Brighter Pictures, makers of the show, alleging conspiracy to commit a sexual assault, defamation, personal injury and breach of contract.

"We have made an initial response to the letter of complaint received yesterday and confirmed that the show is not in Sky One's schedule at present," Sky said in a statement. The show had been scheduled to be broadcast this month.

Media reports said all six men had signed release forms consenting to the footage being shown, but before Miriam's secret was revealed.

A spokesman for Brighter Pictures told Broadcast magazine producers had made a point of never referring to Miriam as a woman when getting the men to take part.

"As Miriam is a transsexual, I would never refer to her as male or female. She is a gorgeous creature," the spokesman told the magazine.

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