Eddie Izzard says that being a transvestite is a turn-on for women.

The 39-year-old comic claimed he started performing as a way to get more sex.

But his cross-dressing has proved a more successful ruse.

Speaking on Johnny Vaughan Tonight, he said: "Being a transvestite does it, strangely.

"When I first came out I thought that would be it, but no.

"Putting on lipstick - chicks dig that, man. But no one will admit to it."

Izzard was on the show to promote his West End role in A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg - which has just extended its run until Feburary 9 ­ and his forthcoming movie All The Queen's Men, in which he plays "an action transvestite."