Miss Universe 2006 live on STAR World

Media News

MUMBAI, July 24

6 continents, 86 beauties and more than 600 million viewers worldwide. The contestants are stunning and the setting is spectacular. This year marks Miss Universe’s 55th anniversary and a return to the United States after seven years overseas. Held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Center in Los Angeles, California, this is setting up to be the biggest, grandest, Miss Universe in the pageant’s 55-year history! And it’s all coming to you LIVE on Monday, July 24 at 6:30 a.m, with primetime telecast at 8:00 p.m. IST…all on STAR WORLD.

Aside from the mesmerizing young women in their beachwear, nightgown and interview segments, this year’s hosts and guests are arguably just as appealing. “Access Hollywood’s” Nancy O’Dell is back and will co-host this year’s pageant with actor-singer Carlos Ponce. Carson Kressley of “Oueer Eye for the Straight Guy” and Miss Universe 2004 Shandi Finnessey will provide roving commentary during the two-hour pageant. Musical entertainment comes in the form of Latin singer Chelo with a sizzling set.

This year, Asia has some strong contenders, with Miss Australia Erin McNaught, Miss India Neha Kapur, Miss Philippines Lia Andrea Ramos, and Miss Sri Lanka Jacqueline Fernandez already creating some buzz – especially about Miss Australia’s prior topless shoot with a men’s magazine! All with vivacious, outgoing personalites and charming wit, they are tipped to give their traditionally more successful European and North American counterparts a run for their money this time round.

And of course, expect to be treated to the best that L.A. has to offer, in the city’s exuberance at hosting the global event again after a long break. At the conclusion of the biggest beauty event this summer, Canadian native Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005 - will crown her successor in front of millions of viewers globally.

So don’t forget to tune in to STAR WORLD for Miss Universe 2006 - coming to you LIVE on STAR WORLD on July 24!

About Star

STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel ), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world's largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

For further information please contact:

Zeenat Khan

Asst Vice President, Publicity

STAR (India) Ltd.

Tel No. 91-22-56305555

Shiraz Bhavnani / Aditi Chada

Vaishnavi Corporate Communications

Tel: 91-22-5656 8787

Email:sbhavnani@vccpl.com / achada@vccpl.com