Nadia Almada wept tears of joy yesterday as she told how the nation has helped her achieve her life-long dream... to finally feel like a real woman.

Nadia Almada wept tears of joy yesterday as she told how the nation has helped her achieve her life-long dream... to finally feel like a real woman.

After nearly four million people voted for her as the fifth Big Brother winner, the 27-year-old transsexual said: "I'm overjoyed I've been accepted as a woman for the first time. It's the most amazing feeling - I could burst with happiness."

The Portuguese beauty also said she now feels she at last has the confidence to find love - and is desperate to explore her sexuality.

"I am a very sexual person," she said. "Of course it has not been long since I had the operation so I have not yet made love with a man. But I am desperately looking forward to it. I just can't wait to find my Mr Right!"

After spending her first night out of the house celebrating with champagne Nadia, born a boy called Jorge Alamada, also revealed how she:

Felt guilty for keeping her secret from housemates. Has not stopped crying since she won.

Fancied Jason - but went off him when he became aggressive. Wants to marry her dream man in a big white wedding.

Nine million viewers tuned in to see Nadia win with an astonishing 61 per cent of the votes. Afterwards she said: "My whole purpose of being in the house was to feel in myself that I am a real woman. And I do now.

"It was so important for me to gain acceptance as a woman, not something else. I felt guilty not telling the other housemates, but they've all now told me it doesn't matter and it doesn't change the relationship I have with them.

"I feel like a real woman for the first time - and I can't even put into words how good that feels. I am so emotional. I cannot stop crying."

Nadia was stunned to find her mother Conceicao, who lives in their home village on the Portuguese island of Madeira, waiting for her at the final. The pair have not seen each other for a year - since before Nadia became a full woman.

They wept as they hugged each other and Conceicao told her daughter: "I'm so proud of you. You look beautiful."

Nadia said: "We have always been very, very close. I have not seen her for a year because I wanted to wait until the operation was complete and until I felt comfortable with being a woman.

"But there has been no problem. My mum accepts me totally and says she is very, very proud of me. That means so much to me. Seeing her again was so emotional."