It's been a mystery since 2003 - who exactly is Belle de Jour, the high class prostitute who kept a blog, had books published, and even spawned a TV series staring Billie Piper based upon her experiences?

Well, one of the great literary mysteries of the decade is no more. Belle de Jour has revealed herself as Dr Brooke Magnanti, a student who chose to work as a high-class call prostitute to fund her PhD studies.

Dr Magnanti, 34, who now lives and works in Bristol as a respected research scientist, said she became a prostitute because she needed a job that left her enough time to complete her studies.

Talking to the Sunday Times, Dr Magnanti said she worked as a prostitute from 2003 to late 2004, and found it "so much more enjoyable" than her shifts as a computer programmer. And she said she had no regrets: "I've felt worse about my writing than I ever have about sex for money," she said.

Writing on her blog site Belle de Jour: Diary of a London Call Girl on Sunday, she said "It feels so much better on this side. Not to have to tell lies, hide things from the people I care about. To be able to defend what my experience of sex work is like to all the sceptics and doubters."Anonymity had a purpose then - it will always have a reason to exist, for writers whose work is too damaging or too controversial to put their names on. But for me, it became important to acknowledge that aspect of my life and my personality to the world at large. I am a woman. I lived in London. I was a call girl. The people, the places, the actions and feelings are as true now as they were then, and I stand behind every word with pride."

Until last week, not even her book agent knew her real name. A statement on the website of Orion Books, which published Belle de Jour's books, said: "It's a courageous decision for Belle de Jour to come forward with her true identity and we support her decision to do so."

Her employers are said to have been 'amazingly supportive' and a spokesman for the University of Bristol has said: "This aspect of Dr Magnanti's past is not relevant to her current role at the university."

What do you think? Is Belle de Jour brave to come forward or do you think her true identity is likely to hold her back in future?