TV series to search for top disabled model

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TV series to search for top disabled model

The BBC is to launch a TV talent search for disabled models.

http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0305/britainsmissingtopmodel.html

'Britain's Missing Top Model' will see eight women compete before a

panel of industry experts.

The five-part series aims " to challenge preconceived notions of

beauty " . The winner will land a spread in a women's glossy magazine,

shot by one of the world's top fashion photographers.

BBC3 controller Danny Cohen said: " This series aims to challenge the

artificial boundaries that seem to exist in the beauty and fashion

industries.

" It would be great if in the future we began to see more disabled

models gracing the covers of the world's magazines. "

The competition is open to disabled women aged between 18 and 30.

It has a similar format to 'America's Next Top Model', which was

hosted by Tyra Banks. The eight finalists will live together in an

apartment and complete a different challenge each week.

Industry experts will train them for photoshoots, location work and

the catwalk.

The series will be supported by Ouch, the BBC's disability website,

and is being made in consultation with Disability Action in

Islington, North London.