6 DECEMBER 2001
The real-life Erin Brockovich, whom Julia Roberts famously portrayed in last year’s celebrated film, is set to become a star in her own right by fronting a new prime-time reality TV programme stateside.

Executives at US network ABC have signed up the curvaceous blonde to present a reality show, Challenge America With Erin Brockovich: The Miracle In Manhattan, set to air on December 21. Though much of Challenge remains a mystery at this point, a spokesman for ABC confirmed the show will deal with the rebuilding of New York City in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

“Instead of winning millions of dollars, this is reality television with a heart,” says executive producer Allen Berman.

Erin’s programme, inspired by the British programme Challenge Anneka, fronted by Anneka Rice, will call on the noted activist to rally support for her project over the course of a week.

The fiesty Californian, who recently sat down with HELLO! for an exclusive chat, famously won $300 million in compensation from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for victims whose water was contaminated with carcinogens by the firm. Her campaign was chronicled in the Oscar-winning Steven Soderbergh film Erin Brockovich.