BBC Three is launching a TV talent search for disabled models. 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. BBC Three 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." Producer Richard McKerrow, of Love Productions, said: "Our intention is to empower both the women featured in the project and thousands of others, who shouldn't be invisible to the fashion industry just because they are disabled people. He added: "We're also looking to challenge preconceived notions of beauty." The competition is open to disabled women aged between 18 and 30. It has a similar format to America's Next Top Model - 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.
