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Foundations

What does it take to turn Steve, Stan, Blaine and Pablo into Sandra, Stacey, Jessica and Joelle? At the most basic level, it takes underwear. The first step in the transition from male to female is getting the underlying physical shape right. So the boys' first task is to choose their breast and bra sizes, and then embark on the tricky challenge of trying to put a bra on.

The next step is more difficult. The boys are asked to conceal their genitals: to push the testicles into the groin and tuck the penis away. All feel extremely uncomfortable, and somewhat apprehensive, at the prospect of 'losing' their manhood. This is the first sign of the boys having to give something up in order to achieve femininity. In fact, it is not until near the end of the experiment that Pablo/Joelle discovers that the safest way of concealing his genitals is by using packaging tape.

Fashion sense

Outerwear is more fun. The boys not only have to choose what to wear, but they have to learn how to wear women's clothes. As Stan discovers, a flimsy, silky blouse may look pretty on the rack, but the fabric may reveal more than you had intended.

At first, the boys go for outrageous, revealing clothing. But as the programme progresses, they become increasingly practical, choosing more sensible shoes that are easier to walk in and colours that flatter their large frames.

Make-up

Make-up is another challenge — one that is different for each participant. Blaine, for example, has a very strong, masculine jawline, so his face needs to be softened and feminised. His long hair, good complexion and almond-shaped eyes are an advantage, though.

Hair removal

The most physically painful part of the transition from male to female comes with hair removal. The boys have to have their legs, armpits, chests and stomachs waxed. As any woman will tell you, just having your legs waxed is bad enough. One contestant must also have his eyebrows waxed — a prospect he finds even more distressing, since he knows he will have to go around with these new eyebrows for a long time after the experiment is over.

Behaviour

With the physical elements taken care of, the boys have to move on to the more subtle problem of acting like a woman. They have to learn to take up less space when they sit, and walk with their legs closer together. But the boys must not just walk like any woman, they must walk like a particular woman. It is easier for some than others. Steve finds it difficult to narrow his walk, while Blaine tries to do too much, and ends up with an exaggerated, vampish look.

Voices

For all the contestants, getting the voice right is the most difficult part of the transition. The boys have to learn to raise the pitch of their voices without going to extremes. Sounding too camp is a giveaway. The boys must also learn to use the vocabulary that a woman would. As their voice coach explains, women tend to be less direct and more apologetic in speech. Later in the programme, when the boys are released into the outside world, speaking like a girl proves to be one of the greatest challenges.