It goes without saying that Edmonton has some of the most beautiful women in the world, but we never expected to have that fact quite so publicly acknowledged. ABC yesterday released the first names and photos of the 25 contestants appearing on Season 7 of The Bachelor, confirming weeks of speculation that three Albertans will be vying for the affection of freewheelin' fun guy Charlie O'Connell on the long-running reality show. The Bachelor's two-hour season premiere airs Monday at 9 p.m. on A-Channel and 10 p.m. on ABC.

Two Edmonton residents - swimsuit model and former SUNshine Girl Kim Choma, 25, and marketing co-ordinator and model Jenny Adams, 23 - are among the contestants. Also representing the home team is Geitan Villeneuve, 30, a Los Angeles-area realtor who was born in Grande Prairie and lived for eight years in Edmonton.

ABC forbids the show's contestants from talking to the media or even confirming their participation prior to the series debut, but Sun columnist Graham Hicks and 96X morning-show hosts B.J. Wilson and Shannon Tyler have spent several weeks been unearthing details about The Bachelor's surprising Edmonton contingent. Tipsters have told Wilson that camera crews from the show have been in Edmonton in recent, filming segments with both Choma and Adams. Hometown visits are typically reserved for only the top four finalists.

ABC said the opening episode of The Bachelor will see the 29-year-old O'Connell, brother of actor Jerry O'Connell (Crossing Jordan), whittle the group of 25 down to just 12 lovely lasses.