Beyoncé has ditched the clothes in favour of body paint and glitter in a striking new photoshoot.

The superstar singer appears on the cover of the new Flaunt magazine and she rocks a look rarely seen before.

A number of images from the photoshoot see Beyoncé stripped off and wearing body paint, with the cover picture featuring the music star twisting her arm backwards.

Other images released by Flaunt see the singer topless with numerous beaded necklaces and also having her hair painted orange.

In the accompanying interview, Beyoncé revealed that she is happy to be considered a gay icon alongside the likes of Madonna and Cher. She said:

"I'm flattered if I'm in the company of those great women. I think they love that we are bold, unafraid to love, and flaunt our sexuality and strength."