Reality TV show contestant dies

A CANDIDATE on French reality TV series Koh-Lanta has died from a heart attack within days of starting the competition in Cambodia.

Gérard Babin, 25, reported chest pains during the first test - which required the contestants to swim to shore from a boat.

TV channel TF1 and production company Adventure Line said in a joint statement that all involved were sad and sent their thoughts to the contestant's family.

Filming on the latest series has been suspended and all contestants flown back to France. Some are receiving counselling.

Koh-Lanta sees two rival teams survive on a desert island, undertaking practical tests and living on strictly rationed food.

It launched in 2001 and is fronted by Denis Brogniart. Other international versions of the show are called Survivor.