World's Tallest Man: Looking for Love

World's Tallest Man: Looking for Love, Thursday 26 May, 2011, 10pm, Channel 4

At over eight feet tall, Sultan Kösen from Turkey is the world's tallest man. This Bodyshock special follows his journey around the world in search of a cure for his Gigantism - the life threatening disease that causes him to grow even further beyond his record-breaking height.

After being crowned the world's tallest man in September 2009, Sultan's title brings him the attention of the world. But Sultan desires more than just fame and there's only one thing he wants and that's a true love.

He had grown up wanting to be just like any other boy, but a tumour on Sultan's pituitary gland meant that he was destined to be different. Despite three operations to remove the growth he continued to get taller. Born into a poor family in a remote village an hour's drive away from Mardin in Turkey, his family spent most of their money on hospital treatment. As a result, Sultan grew up scared and alone. For the first time Sultan invites viewers into his new home in Ankara, and takes the film makers back to where it all began where his family open their hearts.

However, Sultan's 8 foot 1 body continues to grow, threatening his life. In need of urgent treatment, this documentary follows him on an inspirational journey across the world as he goes in search of life-saving surgery. This revealing documentary delves deep into the mind of the troubled 27-year-old and bears witness to his remarkable transformation from shy recluse into worldwide star.  

He meets a new best friend in George Bell, America's tallest man, and meets a girl for his first ever date. But as this film uncovers, his biggest challenges are still to come. Sultan also pays a visit to the Guinness World Records offices in London, where he is re-measured and it's here that he will be given some bitter-sweet news. He strives to make it to Virginia, America in time to meet Dr. Mary Lee Vance, one of the world's leading Gigantism experts. Will she be able to provide the life-saving surgery he needs? Or will his remarkable life come to a premature end?  This is the emotional story of The World's Tallest Man and his fight for survival.