Donald Trump's life story: From real estate to politics

Long before making three consecutive bids for the US presidency, Donald Trump was America's most flamboyant billionaire.

The New York real estate mogul's life was splashed all over tabloids and television in the decades leading up to his improbable 2015-16 run for the White House.

His household name and unfiltered campaign style helped him defeat seasoned politicians - but a controversy-filled tenure saw him booted from office after a single term.

Now 78, the Republican is again defying the odds as he mounts a stunning political comeback that could end with him back behind the president's desk in the Oval Office.