Naidoo told the Sunday Times Extra: “Being on the cover of FHM is, of course, an honour and would be the highlight of any model’s career. But considering I survived high school with braces and a unibrow, I view it as a victory for nerds everywhere.

“I guess I was pretty high up in the nerd stakes. But my transformation was gradual and only an external one.”

Apart from the cover shot of Naidoo emerging from the ocean in a skimpy white bikini, the magazine contains a steamy eight-page picture spread, including an interview with her.

Her parents, who live in Port Elizabeth, have been “extremely supportive” of her career, although her father did enquire “whether they had a shortage of bikini tops in Zanzibar”.

She also enjoys the support of her partner, who she says “understands my career choices and was also really proud of me attaining the esteemed cover”.

She maintains her sensational figure by visiting the gym two to three times a week. And she has no qualms about being photographed in a bikini.

“I am comfortable in my skin, and I know I am far from the skinniest model, but I think being comfortable with who I am is what translates as sexy on camera.”

She co-owns Alushi Management, which represents models, photographers and stylists, with her best friend Alice Haruvisi. (thetimes)