Big Brother star Nadia Almada looked almost unrecognizable as she stepped out in Surrey on Wednesday nearly 20 years after appearing in the reality show.
The TV personality, now 46, was crowned Series 5 champion in 2004 and made history as the first-ever transgender contestant to star in the Channel 4 programme.
And Nadia looked very different from her Big Brother days when she swapped her curly black locks for a sleek blonde look during a low-key visit to a laser clinic.
She also opted for a billowing, striped shirt dress paired with sky-high black platform shoes for the outing.
Proving that she hasn’t lost her glamorous touch, Nadia donned dark sunglasses and tucked a black clutch under her arm, while also flaunting perfectly manicured red nails.
Look who it is: Big Brother star Nadia Almada looked almost unrecognizable as she stepped out in Surrey on Wednesday, nearly 20 years after appearing on the reality show
Success: The TV personality, now 46, was crowned Series 5 champion in 2004 (pictured) and made history as the first-ever transgender contestant to star in the Channel 4 program
So chic: Nadia looked very different from her Big Brother days when she let her curly black locks fall for a sleek blonde look during a low-key visit to a laser clinic
The Portuguese-born beauty also kept cool in the hot weather as she sipped a refreshing drink.
She appeared in good spirits as she headed for her beauty treatment before going about her day.
Her outing comes after Nadia spoke out about her time on the show in 2004, praising her ability to “be herself and not a trans woman.”
The TV star, who trained as a Sassoon hairdresser after winning the fifth series and now works as a stylist, appeared alongside fellow stars Kate Lawler and Nasty Nick on This Morning in February for a mini-reunion with host Alison Hammond.
Having made history during her time on the show, she discussed what it felt like to be a transsexual woman at the legendary Borehamwood residence, admitting that she was delighted by the ability to be completely herself without labels.
Reflecting on what it felt like to be cooped up, she said: ‘I had the best summer vacation ever – it was a break from everyday life. To end up in a situation where I am pure as I am instead of being labeled as a trans woman.’
Due to ongoing discussions about trans rights and the behavior of TERFs (trans-exclusive radical feminists), Nadia urged the trans community to drop the “toxic” discussions and focus on “being themselves.”
Nadia won the hearts of the nation as the very first transgender contestant to walk through the doors of the Big Brother house. She chose not to reveal the fact that she was transgender to her housemates, but the viewing public was informed.
Style: She also opted for a billowing, striped shirt dress paired with sky-high black platform shoes for the outing
Out and about: The Big Brother winner kept a cool head in her oversized white and blue dress
Glam: Proving that she hasn’t lost her glamorous touch, Nadia donned dark sunglasses and tucked a black clutch under her arm, while also showing off perfectly manicured red nails
Me time: She appeared in high spirits as she headed for her beauty treatment before going about her day
Delicious stuff: The Portuguese-born beauty also kept cool in the hot weather as she sipped a refreshing drink
Here she is: Nadia enjoying a solo outing in Surrey
I still get it: Nadia looked amazing when she stepped out 19 years after winning the show
The star stayed in the Big Brother house for the full 71 days and emerged victorious, taking home £63,500 in prize money after garnering a whopping 74% of the total vote.
Nadia feared she would be judged by the British public for keeping her transgender identity a secret, but her quick wit and fiery temper kept viewers entertained.
Announced the winner by presenter Davina McCall, she cried out with joy as she defeated fellow contestants Jason Cowan and Daniel Bryan, who formed the final three with her.
Way back: It comes after Nadia spoke out about her time on the show in 2004, praising her ability to “be herself and not a trans woman” (pictured left on Friday and right after winning the show in 2004)
Winner: Having made history during her time on the show, she discussed what it felt like to be a transsexual woman at the legendary Borehamwood homestead, admitting she was delighted by the ability to be completely herself without tags
Of her time in the house, Nadia said, ‘I had the best summer vacation ever – it was just getting away from everyday life for a while. To end up in a situation where I am pure as I am instead of being labeled as a trans woman.’
When asked about her legendary act of showering in heels, she delightedly admitted, “I still do!”
She continued, “I was more than just a transgender woman, I was a person with a personality. That’s just it, there’s a really toxic conversation about being trans right now, but we need to see people for who they are…
“Instead of labeling everyone by gender, race, religion, so yeah, it was just an amazing experience. People said they could have someone to hang out with for the first time. I think it was the best [her series].’