US 'Big Brother' to feature first transgender contestant

The US version of reality TV show "Big Brother" will feature its first transgender contestant in its upcoming summer season. Twenty-five-year-old Audrey Middleton, who was born Adam, will compete in the 17th season of the show.

"Audrey Middleton is a 'Big Brother' super fan who applied online, like many other hopeful houseguests, and was open about her transition in the application process," a CBS spokesperson told variety.com.

"It is customary for 'Big Brother' houseguests to share personal news inside the house, and Audrey plans to discuss her story with the houseguests in her own words during the premiere episode on Wednesday, June 24," the spokesperson added.

Middleton, a digital media consultant, hails from a small Georgia town. According to her biography on CBS' website, "she is a former competitive swimmer and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Ring Girl, who loves to dress up and look fabulous head-to-toe, but also isn't afraid to get dirty."

"She is attracted to tall, dark and handsome guys with a quick wit," her description further reads.

Middleton marks the first transgender contestant for the US version of the show, though transgender houseguest Nadia Almada won the fifth season of of the Britain series.