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Rihanna is set to appear in a new fashion TV series which will search Britain for "the next generation of designer talent".

The singer will also executive produce the programme, which will air on Sky Living this summer.

Rihanna said: "I've always had a great love of fashion. It's a constant source of inspiration in my life."

Sky said the programme would "recognise the increasing influence popstars have on mainstream trends".

"With her world-class reputation and passion for style, Rihanna is perfectly placed to find an aspiring designer worthy of the chance to break into the hugely competitive world of fashion," they added in a statement.

Throughout the series, the contestants will face challenges to create outfits for musicians and celebrities.

One of the tasks will be to help design an outfit for Rihanna to wear during her performance at this summer's Wireless festival in London.

'Outside the box'

Rihanna will be responsible for casting on the show, and will be involved in post-production editing.

The 23-year-old will be joined by Nicola Roberts, who said she was "excited" to be helping with the search.

The Girls Aloud singer said she hoped the show would give unknown designers an opportunity they may not otherwise have had.

"There are talented people, undiscovered because they don't have the means, or their circumstances are too far away from the fashion world," she said.

"This show is here to discover those people and give them a shot. I'm looking for someone who can think outside the box, and who isn't going to give up at the first hurdle. Ultimately, someone who can't go 'undiscovered' any more."

Rihanna's current album Talk That Talk topped the UK album chart in November.

Nicola Roberts released her debut solo album Cinderella's Eyes in September, which reached number 17.