A Clacton actor could be destined for international fame thanks to the success of a book he penned about his transition from a woman to a man.

Lee David Carter, who was born Lisa, shared his life story with the world when he wrote Living With Lisa earlier this year.

In it, he reveals how much of a toll his 40-year battle with gender dysphoria took on his mental and physical health.

By the time he reached 42 he turned a corner and started the process of becoming a man.

Now film bosses have picked Lee to star as a presenter on a documentary which shares its name with the 49-year-old’s new book – and believe it could be a smash hit in the US.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter is to present a documentary on gender dysphoria, Living With Lisa. Picture: GREGG BROWNLee David Carter is to present a documentary on gender dysphoria, Living With Lisa. Picture: GREGG BROWN

As filming begins, Lee has told this newspaper how he struggled to reveal his true self for four decades.

He said: “I was in a really dark place. In my time it was never accepted and although I knew I wanted to be a man there was barely any advice out there.

“It all got a bit much when I turned 40, I just couldn’t take it any more.

“I began taking hormones and started the process, had my womb removed and had several other operations done.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, as a childLee David Carter, from Clacton, as a child

“I identified as a man and never really looked at men except in a friendly way.

“Nowadays though gender dysphoria, what I went through and struggled with, is more well known and more and more people are speaking out about it.”

Lee hopes the documentary, being filmed by Ghost Pictures, will travel as far as America partly because it will keep the conversation going about gender dysphoria, but also because people have begun to recognise it as a result of high-profile stars coming out.

Celebrities such as Caitlyn Jenner and Cher’s son Chaz Bono have helped people to talk about it more, he said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lee David Carter, from Clacton, with his book Living With Lisa. Picture: GREGG BROWNLee David Carter, from Clacton, with his book Living With Lisa. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Talking about his life before he transitioned, Lee added: “It was strange to discover but from then on I knew I wanted to be with women.

“I was just living in completely the wrong body.

“I was in a very dark place and had so many feelings, from anger to sadness to suicidal thoughts if I’m honest.

“Changing has made me such a different person and lifted me, I saw the proverbial light if you know what I mean.

“My family, especially my mum Michelle have been really supportive which has got me through.”

Filming is underway for the new documentary, but Lee also has another project lined up.

He is due to star in four episodes of My Sexual Fantasies, due to broadcast in September, where he will talk about his journey.