'Brockovich' to become reality

LOS ANGELES - Erin Brockovich is taking her cause to the small screen. ABC is in negotiations for a yet-untitled one-hour reality special starring the single mom-turned-legal eagle who became a household name thanks to the Oscar-winning portrayal by Julia Roberts in "Erin Brockovich." The special is based on British TV series "Challenge Anneka." Like her British counterpart Anneka Rice, Brockovich will face a tough challenge to do a great deed, accomplishing something of lasting benefit to the community in an unbelievably short amount of time. The tasks for the Brockovich special are yet to be determined.

On the British series, one of the episodes had Rice build an orphanage in Kenya within 48 hours. The special is expected to air next season. If it does well ratings-wise, there is a good chance that it will turn into a series of specials, sources said.