01:00 AM EDT on Saturday, May 8, 2004

Is there someone you know desperately in need of a makeover -- and who doesn't mind surprises? The Fox TV show Ambush Makeover wants to hear from you.

The show will be coming to Rhode Island June 16-22, and the producers are looking for makeover candidates.

Spokeswoman Cathleen Jordan said the program gets about 60 percent of its subjects by simply grabbing them off the street in a sort of benign kidnapping. The rest of the makeover candidates come through recommendations from friends, colleagues and family.

Unlike some makeover shows, Ambush Makeover does not deal with surgery or extensive dental work. Usually, said Jordan, the makeover consists of a new outfit, hairdo, and perhaps hair coloring.

"Who's going to turn that down?" she asked.

Jordan said the show needs its Rhode Island recommendations by May 17.

You can call at (215) 928-1414, ext. 7040, or e-mail her at cjordan [at] banyanprod.com with information on the fashion target, plus photos. And remember -- it's supposed to be a surprise.

Ambush Makeover, now in its third season, is not seen on the local Fox affiliate, but will be on in the fall.

Room by Room, a decorating show on cable channel HGTV, will be airing a program today that used the Breakers in Newport as inspiration for redesigning a guest bedroom.

Hosts Matt Fox and Shari Hiller tour the lavish mansion, built for the Vanderbilt family in 1894-1895. The pair tour the ornate rooms on the first floor, and meet up with curator Paul Miller, who shows them the somewhat simpler family rooms upstairs.

The episode, Room by Room: Vanderbilt Style, airs today at 5 p.m.

Fans of the TV show Providence can't watch the program on NBC anymore -- the network canceled the show last year -- but a DVD The Best of Providence is coming to the rescue May 18.

The four-disc DVD set will feature 14 hours of memorable Providence episodes, including the pilot and the two-hour series finale.

There will also be interviews with the cast and show creator John Masius.

The set retails for $29.98, and it will be available at video stores or online at www.shopnbc.com.