Who was Miriam Rivera? The horrifying true story behind Channel 4's Miriam: Death of a Reality Star

Channel 4 is set to air a new documentary on Monday, April 29, that explores the circumstances surrounding the death of transgender model Miriam Rivera. Miriam, who died in 2019, was best known for her appearance in There’s Something About Miriam, a reality TV dating show that ran in 2004.

A synopsis for the new three-part documentary, Miriam: Death of a Reality Star, reads: “2003 – a British reality show firebombs the life of beautiful model Miriam Rivera. The story of one of the most controversial TV events of the last 20 years and the questions that remain unanswered.”

But who was Miriam Rivera and what happened to her? Here’s everything you need to know. Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android

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Who was Miriam Rivera?

Miriam was born in Mexico in 1981 as a biological male. At a very young age she began displaying signs of gender dysphoria. While her three brothers enjoyed playing physical sports such as basketball, Miriam played with Barbie dolls.

Miriam would go on to take hormones to transform her appearance. At the age of 12, her school suspended her, and this is when she decided to come out – a decision her family supported.

Miriam began performing in a girl band when UK television producer Remy Blumenfeld spotted her. Blumenfeld decided to cast her on reality show, There’s Something About Miriam, which was hosted by Welsh presenter Tim Vincent. The show’s format saw six men try to date Miriam, unaware of the fact that she was born a male. She revealed the truth in the very last episode.

How did Miriam Rivera die?

Miriam was found dead at the age of 35 on February 5, 2019, in her apartment in Mexico. Her death was classified as suicide by hanging by the police, but her husband Daniel Cuervo believes she was murdered. Daniel received a death threat from someone who told him to "never come back to Mexico" and not to prepare her funeral.

At the time of Miriam’s death, Daniel told Daily Mail Australia: “On the morning of February 5, Miriam called me [in New York] from Mexico, telling me she was feeling sick and vomiting blood, so I told her to get to the hospital. She called me again before leaving the hospital at 12pm and that was the last time we spoke.”

Miriam: Death of a Reality Star begins on Channel 4 at 9pm on Monday, April 29. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.