EXCLUSIVE: 'They're making a big deal out of a woman having sex!' UnREAL's Shiri Appleby slams Bachelorette producers for 'manipulating' Kaitlyn Bristowe 

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She's the star of Lifetime's dark new drama UnREAL, which is set behind the scenes of a fictional dating show and reveals exactly what contestants go through to make good TV.

But even Shiri Appleby was horrified by how The Bachelorette's recent storyline involving Kaitlyn Bristowe played out, where this season's star was criticised for having sex with one of her suitors, Nick Viall.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Shiri, 36, said: 'They're making a big deal out of a woman having sex and I think that's completely unfair. I don't think the producers are manipulating the guys as much but they are making a storyline over this.' 

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Hitting out: UnREAL's Shiri Appleby believes The Bachelorette producers 'manipulated' Kaitlyn Bristowe in the latest season when she had sex with Nick Viall, one of her suitors 

Unfair: Speaking about Kaitlyn, Shiri told MailOnline: 'They're making a big deal out of a woman having sex and I think that's completely unfair'

Kaitlyn slept with Nick following a romantic date in Dublin and although the camera crew remained outside the door of their hotel room, the episode aired an audio recording, including moaning and intimate whispering.

In UnREAL, which airs in the UK on Lifetime on Tuesday at 10pm, Shiri plays troubled producer Rachel Goldberg who returns to TV programme Everlasting after suffering a breakdown the previous season.

The show reveals the struggle Rachel goes through as she switches between helping the contestants and manipulating them to make good TV.

Behind the scenes: UnREAL gives fans a look at what exactly takes place when making a reality TV show about dating 

Explaining why she took the role, Shiri said: 'I thought it showed a really interesting struggle. I don't know anyone who is manipulative like that and gets high off the chase and the thrill. But then Rachel is left feeling remorseful and guilty after the high wears off.

'She doesn't have a place or identity in the world and right now Everlasting is all she has.

'I love playing her, she fights back, knows what her end goal is and stays focused. She has a tremendous amount of vulnerability. It was really interesting to play someone like her.'

While the contestants vie for the attentions of rich British playboy Adam Cromwell on UnREAL, he and Rachel develop a secret flirtation.

Troubled: Shiri plays troubled producer Rachel Goldberg who returns to TV programme Everlasting after suffering a breakdown the previous season (pictured with Constance Zimmer -  Quinn King, Everlasting 's executive producer)

And although Shiri loves the complicated relationships on the show, she said she realised during her early days in Hollywood that getting involved with a co-star was never a good idea.

The brunette beauty, who shot to fame as Liz Parker in teen show Roswell, explained: 'Rachel's playing with fire a bit. You never want to mess around with a co-star, I realised that very early on in Hollywood, it's an ugly situation and things can turn bad.

'With Rachel and Adam they both see themselves in each other and they both need something from each other. They see each other as an escape route. There could be a happily ever after or it could crash and burn. I don't want to spoil it for viewers.'

A peek at reality: The show gives fans a look at what really goes on behind the scenes  

UnREAL has already been a huge success in the US, winning rave reviews from critics and high profile fans including Ryan Reynolds.

But Shiri admitted she had no idea if anyone would even tune in.

'We were making a show for Lifetime and no one was expecting anything,' she explained. 'There was no heat and no one was interested. We were living in a bubble during filming and had no idea what was going on. We were just hoping it was working. Some days you think it's awesome and other days I would think, "Oh God am I killing my career with this".

'I feel like we've had so much freedom to go dark and to have that pay off with good reviews and feedback from critics and viewers is amazing.'

The right reasons! The contestants on Everlasting, much like The Bachelorette, are taking part for many reasons including finding true love or getting their 15 minutes of fame

One of the many themes running through UnREAL is selling your soul for success and Shiri admitted it's something she has come across in Hollywood.

'Definitely in my 20s, every five or 10 auditions I was asked to do nudity,' she said. 'I always said no because I wasn't totally comfortable with selling my body to progress my career. I was really proud of that and stuck to my guns. Now that I'm in 30s and comfortable with my sexuality and don't think anyone would take advantage of me, I don't have a problem with it. I'm calling the shots.'

Meanwhile, with shows such as X Files returning for new episodes and Gilmore Girls cast members teasing the possibility, Shiri enthusiastically insisted she wouldn't hesitate to reprise her role as Liz in Roswell.

'I would love nothing more,' she gushed. It would be great to see where all the characters are now so if [creator] Jason Katims is in, then so am I.'

UnREAL airs in the UK on Lifetime at 10pm on Tuesday July 7.   

Watch out for it: UnREAL airs in the UK on Lifetime at 10pm on Tuesday July 7

Reunion?  Shiri told MailOnline she would love to reprise her role as Liz Parker in Roswell