‘Celeste gets more attention from men, but we have different types’

much, I felt like I had nothing to lose. I told Claire the truth – that even though I loved her, I knew I’d been born in the wrong body and was a woman.”

Claire was devastated. She says: “At first I was angry I’d been lied to and heartbroken the man I loved wanted to be a woman. But gradually I realised it had taken courage for Marcus to tell me and that he needed my support. I still loved him as a person.”

GAINING A FRIEND

The pair decided to continue living together and Marcus began living as Celeste. Claire says: “We thought it would be good for the kids for both of us to still be around. They were very understanding and within weeks had started calling her Celeste, not Dad. She then started wearing women’s clothes.”

In July 2013, Celeste started hormone treatment and a month later sold her motorbike to have pay for a boob job, going to a 36E. She had an operation to create a vagina in December.

She says: “Claire helped me buy a flattering wardrobe and gave me make-up advice. Gradually, we became best friends. Most of my other friends and family have been supportive too.”

But it wasn’t always easy. Claire adds: “I had counselling. It was a grieving process – I lost the man I married, but I gained a friend.”

Now the unconventional couple go out together most weekends. Claire says: “We’re both ready for a new relationship. Celeste likes clean-shaven men, whereas I like a more grungy look. We haven’t brought anyone home yet because of the kids. I’d like to marry again, but whoever I meet will have to accept Celeste will always be part of my life.”