Entertainment TV channel LIVING has commissioned Initial, an Endemol company, to produce a bold new series titled, ‘Rehab’.

The exclusive new series puts ‘rehab’ under the microscope by charting the journeys of seven fallen stars as they prepare to combat their various destructive addictions, at the established rehabilitation clinic Passages in Malibu, California.

The celebrities confronting their dangerous and potentially life-threatening habits are glamour models Alicia Douvall (body dysmorphia) and Cassie Sumner (bulimia), former Bay City Roller singer Les McKeown (alcoholism), X Factor favourite Rowetta Satchell (alcoholism), actress/comedienne and daughter of Britt Eckland and Peter Sellers – Victoria Sellers (drug addiction), musician and son of Dad’s Army’s John Le Mesurier and Carry On…’s Hattie Jacques – Robin Le Mesurier (alcoholism), and US Bold and the Beautiful soap star Sean Kanan (painkiller addiction). With their lives spiralling out of control, and their once successful careers overshadowed by their addictions, each has resolved to embark upon 2009 with a renewed outlook.

Despite it virtually becoming part of our everyday language, few know the actual reality behind ‘rehab’ and the nature of the treatment that patients endure remains a mystery – until now.

Each episode will follow a celebrity as they search for the determining factors that drove them towards their dependencies. In a world far away from showbiz parties, the stars will finally be able to face their demons to understand the pressures that have brought them to breaking point.

The final episode will catch up with each celebrity as they attempt to rebuild their lives outside of Passages rehabilitation clinic.

We have read and heard about ‘rehab’ constantly as more and more stars succumb to temptations. It’s a destination that has become synonymous with celebrity culture as every week it seems another celebrity checks in or out. Is fame to blame for celebrity’s increasing dependencies or are the sort of people dying for limelight inherently susceptible to addiction? Perhaps fame itself is the ultimate addiction? Whatever the underlying causes behind their heavily publicised troubles, there are too many famous names wasting their talents, opportunities and lives as they struggle with dependency.

Claudia Rosencrantz, Director of Television, Virgin Media Television said: “This series is a deeply compelling look into the truth behind rehab, watching our fallen stars confront and try to overcome their addictions and in the full glare of the public eye. We were really impressed with Chris Prentiss and his team at Passages – their incredible track record in successful rehabilitation and unusual approach gave us absolute confidence that we were offering our fallen stars the best chance of recovery. Alcoholism, drug abuse, bulimia, plastic surgery and the very 21st century, post-modern addiction to fame: this series will show what happens when addictions spiral out of control. Rehab is a seriously moving series, with some extraordinary stories, incredible bravery and inspiring breakthroughs. Lives have been changed already and I hope that the series will inspire anyone watching to face their own demons.”

Nick Samwell-Smith, Creative Director, Initial said: “This series is one of the most ambitious projects that Initial has ever tackled. Our aim was to get right under the skin of the processes involved in Rehab, and these patients’ painful battles with addiction in all its forms. The results are very powerful.”

Now, as seven famous faces combat the addictions that have plagued both their personal and professional lives, LIVING’s cameras will provide an exclusive insight into a hidden world that remains subject to intense media scrutiny. Group therapy, one on one sessions, living together and supporting each other – or not: LIVING will shed light on the cry for help that many perceive to be a career salvaging publicity stunt….Having followed many a celebrity’s demise, now comes the opportunity for viewers to view their redemption, and hopefully their eventual recovery.

Seeking both sanctuary and solutions within the four walls of Passages clinic in Malibu, the seven individuals undergo a complex and intensive programme of treatment and therapy, designed by Director Chris Prentiss. With Chris gearing the treatment around a radical stance that there is in fact a cure for addiction – contradicting the 12 Step Programme adopted by AA – can his patients banish the cravings that their compulsions carry?

Witness the ramifications of the rehabilitation process, as cameras pick up with our fallen stars upon their return to normality, speaking to them about their uncertainties and fears for the future, and examining how successful the rehab stint has proved to be. Is the road towards recovery in sight or does life outside the safety net that Passages provides merely serve up the same temptations? What will they discover about themselves and their lives?