Entertainment

HOT ‘UGLY’ MESS

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Christian Siriano, the petite winner of “Project Runway,” guest-stars as himself – or more specifically, a parody of himself – on tonight’s episode of “Ugly Betty” on ABC (8 p.m. on Ch. 7).

Also appearing on the show, which is about a fictional New York-based fashion magazine called Mode, is Nina Garcia, the “Project Runway” judge who up until recently was fashion director at Elle, a real magazine.

On “Ugly Betty,” Christian has an appointment at Mode to discuss a prospective fashion spread.

Before Christian arrives, Nina explains to Mode’s Alexis Meade, sister of the publisher and also a transsexual (played by Rebecca Romijn), that she – Nina – is on hand to babysit Christian.

“The show has me keeping an eye on Christian. He loves to make an entrance – winning this contest has really gone to his head,” she says, apparently referring to “Project Runway,” whose title is never actually uttered on the show, owing probably to the fact that it airs on NBC-owned Bravo, though not for long (it’s moving to Lifetime).

Are you still with me?

It’s doubtful the producers of “Project Runway” would ever assign Nina Garcia to babysit any of the show’s contestants. It’s not even a certainty that Garcia will be seen again on “Runway” now that she’s no longer associated with Elle.

Meanwhile, back at “Ugly Betty,” in sashays Christian accompanied by three models wearing his outfits. Among the first words out of his mouth is a tasteless vulgarity for the 8-9 p.m. hour.

“The house of Siriano has arrived,” he declares. “Worship me, bitches!”

He then gets to lampoon the word and phrase – “fierce” and “hot tranny mess” – he made famous on “Runway” and that have already been parodied on “Saturday Night Live” (on “SNL,” he’s played by Amy Poehler, who’s gotten so much publicity lately that we’re sick of her).

“Hi, Mr. Siriano, on behalf of Mode, I’d like to say how ‘fierce’ it is to have you here!” says Mode publisher Daniel Meade (Eric Mobius).

“Oh, OK,” says Christian, “but no one uses that word around me – it’s over!”

“Allow me to apologize for my brother – he didn’t know,” interjects the tranny Alexis.

“Hello, Ferocia!” Christian says to her. “You’re certainly a hot tranny mess!”

Guest-star stunts? Catchphrases? It won’t be long before Gary Coleman will be brought on the show just so he can say, “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Betty?!”