News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A former Miss Italy contestant left horrifically scarred after an acid attack has revealed her shocking scars for the first time.

Gessica Notaro is at risk of losing her sight after she was allegedly ambushed and attacked by a jilted ex-boyfriend.

The 28-year-old, whose ex denies the attack and is awaiting trial, appeared on a chat show to talk about her horrific ordeal

After initially covering her face with a scarf, Gessica decided to reveal her injuries to the audience.

She told viewers of the Maurizio Costanzo show: "I want you to see what he did to me. This isn't love."

(Image: Rex Features) (Image: Rex Features)

The brunette aquarium worker was forced to stay in a hospital room for months while treated for her burns.

She was only allowed to talk to visitors via a glass panel, to prevent the likelihood of her developing an infection.

Gessica suffered "deep" burns to the face and eye in the attack, which occurred on January 10.

The acid also damaged her hip and leg.

Her ex-boyfriend, Jorge Edson Tavares - whom she split with last summer - denies any involvement the attack.

(Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Facebook)

Speaking about her ordeal, Gessica said: "While the acid ate away at my face I was on my knees praying. I prayed to God: take away my beauty but at least leave me with my sight."

The former beauty queen now faces a year long weight for surgery and spends £6,000 on medication to manage her burns.

She told the MailOnline: "I did my own two months of prison. I can't live life as I used to. I can't go out in the sun, am constantly trapped in this mask and my face hurts all the time"

(Image: Facebook)

Tavares and Gessica met while working at the 'Delfinario' attraction, an aquarium which features dolphin shows.

Gessica also had a career as a TV presenter after becoming a finalist in the 2007 Miss Italy competition.

But Tavares, from Cape Verde, was issued with a harassment order after they split, La Stampa reports.

(Image: Facebook)

He denies carrying out the attack and claims to have an alibi, police said.

A friend of Gessica said: "She was always smiling, always optimistic.

"Her mother is destroyed by this."

Tavares remains in custody.