PAUL BETTANY - BETTANY'S FATHER'S SEX-OP SECRET

British actor PAUL BETTANY's father THANE stunned his famous son when he confessed he wanted to become a woman and undergo a sex change operation. Thane, a professional ballet dancer and actor, split with the WIMBLEDON star's mother ANNE in 1993, before settling down with his boyfriend ANDY LITTLE in Scotland. The 75-year-old admits he was confused about his sexuality for years and seriously considered paying for a sex change operation, which he discussed with his sensitive son Paul. Thane says, "A few years ago the operation cost GBP7,000 and I think, yes. But GBP10,000 (now) is a lot of money. I have to pay for it. I'm too old to have it on the NHS. It also depends on whether it's wise for me, at my age, to have the procedure. "It's an idea I have played about with. In fantasies, I've thought it would be much easier to have a relationship. "Can you imagine me trying to make my living as an actress? It would be much too late."