Wearing a bikini and twirling round gracefully, pole-dancing champion Natasha Payne shows off her slender legs and toned stomach.

But 5ft 7 Natasha, 51, was born David and used to be a naval officer. It was only in 2008 that she started living full time as a woman, although she hasn’t had full gender reassignment therapy, she has had breast implants.

AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS OF POLE DANCING

But she says that pole dancing makes her feel more confident and feminine than ever. And since taking up the sport she has even won a bronze in the world champion pole dancing championships, representing the UK.

Natasha - who lives with her girlfriend Mary, 26, in Newcastle- says: “When I started I was worried I wouldn’t be accepted. but everyone’s so supportive. Lots of the other dancers say they are envious of my long legs.

“I haven’t had full gender reassignment so some moves on the pole are a bit tricky, but I’m a woman, and once I’m up on stage I feel strong and confident.”

Read more in Closer magazine, out now.