EastEnders fans couldn't believe how different Jack Ryder looked 24 years after he first appeared on the soap.
Jack, who played Jamie Mitchell, joined EastEnders in November 1998 and was famous for his floppy curtain fringe. He left the BBC drama in December 2002 after his character was killed in a car accident.
The actor is now 41 years old and looks very different from when he appeared in Albert Square. In recent snaps on Instagram, Jack's followers were shocked by how different he looked, reports the Daily Star.
READ MORE: Cheapest supermarket in the UK named - and its not Lidl, Tesco or Asda
With shorter hair in a grey hue, often complimented by matching stubble on his face - fans couldn't believe how much he had changed over the years.
In July he posted a photo of him as Jamie and said: "Once a Mitchell… This year marks 20 years since I left EastEnders. I owe so much to the people there for giving me such an opportunity at such a young age.
"When I really think back, everything I am and do was all born out of that experience. There were tough times to be sure. Challenging times. But never on that set with those wonderful people. I will forever be grateful."
Fans were quick to comment with one writing: "I’m re-watching the old EastEnders just to see you!!" A second said: "Still don't think I've ever got over that Christmas Day. Cried my eyes out for hours."
While a third added: "You still haven't changed, Jack."
In EastEnders Jack's character's storylines mostly centred around his close relationships with his godfather Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and on-off girlfriend Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy). His tragic demise came when he bought Sonia some flowers and set off to meet her.
But while crossing the road outside of Walford Tube station, Martin Fowler accidentally hit Jamie and he was hospitalised. He died of liver damage leaving Sonia distraught.
After his EastEnders exit, Jack performed as Justin Timberlake on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes - which he won. More recently he has worked as a film and theatre director, as well as publishing his first novel - Jack’s Secret Summer with Hachette Children's Group.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
READ NEXT
- Marks and Spencer's Ragdale Hall Spa sleep range tried and tested by an insomniac
-
Walk-in cosmetic dentist opens in Liverpool with 30 minute smile 'makeover'
- Liverpool Christmas Markets 2022 drinks prices at every stall
- We tried yule logs from Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda & Morrisons and two scored top marks
- Mango's 'elegant' £36 bag is almost identical to Prada's £3,000 designer version
