Hugh Hefner ventures into reality TV

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Playboy's Hugh Hefner told the Hollywood Reporter Friday he has been with "thousands" of women because he's a "romantic."

The head of the Playboy empire said the romantic side of him makes him want to get involved in relationships. But of course, at 79 and still swinging, he adds his relationships may be multiple, "but they go on a long time."

Hefner offers a look into the inner sanctum of the Playboy mansion during an eight-episode reality series, "The Girls Next Door," which premieres Sunday on the E! channel.

The series will follow the relationship between Hefner and his three current live-in girlfriends, Kendra Wilkinson, 20; Holly Madison, 25; and Bridget Marquardt, 31.