Miriam: Death of a Reality Star Series Premiere, 29 April 2024, Channel 4

Miriam: Death of a Reality Star tells the story of the life and tragic death of Miriam Rivera, the world’s first transgender reality TV star. In the summer of 2003, Miriam participated in the controversial Sky One dating series “There’s Something About Miriam,” where she kept her transgender identity a secret from six male contestants.

Born in Mexico in 1981, Rivera displayed signs of gender dysphoria from a young age. Assigned male at birth, she felt different from her three brothers, preferring Barbie dolls to baseball. She began taking hormones at the age of 11 and came out at 12, with the support of her family. As an adult, she pursued modeling and a career in television, becoming an activist and spokesmodel for the transgender community.

Rivera’s big break came when TV producer Remy Blumenfeld spotted her performing with a girl band. He cast her in “There’s Something About Miriam,” a reality dating show with a shocking twist. The premise involved six men vying for Rivera’s affections, unaware that she was transgender. The show, which aired in 2004, sparked controversy and lawsuits from contestants who felt deceived. Rivera, however, embraced the attention, becoming a household name.

Despite her initial success, Rivera’s life took a dark turn. In 2007, she fell from the fourth story of her New York apartment, leaving her with severe injuries. She later claimed to have been pushed by masked men. This incident marked a turning point, and Rivera became entangled in the party scene, eventually turning to sex work to pay off mounting hospital bills.

On February 5, 2019, Rivera was found dead in her mother’s apartment in Mexico. Her death was ruled a suicide, but her husband, Daniel Cuervo, and some of her friends suspected foul play. Cuervo received a death threat, warning him to stay away from Mexico. The circumstances surrounding her death remain shrouded in mystery, with questions lingering about the role her TV fame may have played.

Miriam: Death of a Reality Star airs on Channel 4 at 9.00 pm on Monday, 29 April 2024, and continues on Tuesday and Wednesday.