Marlon Brando's former lover ESTHER ANDERSON has spoken about her seven year love affair with the late star for the first time.

The Jamaican-born actress and songwriter, who romanced the Apocalypse Now star between 1968 and 1975, is writing an autobiography of her life with Brando, who died last year (04) of pulmonary fibrosis

Anderson, who has timed her Brando bonanza to coincide with New York auction house CHRISTIE'S sale of his residence, will also stage photographic exhibitions in London and Paris.

She says, "He was a huge icon when I was with him, not fat and disgusting as he later became.

"I've never spoken about our relationship before but I've decided that now is the time to do it because of a Christie's sale of his property in New York next week (begs27JUN05).

"Young people don't know Marlon very well but they will. He'll become a legendary figure like James Dean."

22/06/2005 17:30