Playboy magazine is launching a Popstars-style search for a new nude centrefold.

Twelve contestants will take part in the new reality TV show, tentatively titled Who Wants to Be A Playboy Playmate.

All 12 will feature in the June issue of Playboy, with Hugh Hefner picking a winner to be the Playmate for July.

The contestants will be filmed attending photo shoots, and living together for two weeks in Los Angeles.

The contestants are being chosen from a search in six US cities, reports The New York Post.

Playboy senior editor Kevin Kuster said: "This is the first time we're going to be showing the masses how the process works and what goes on behind the scenes."