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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

EastEnders Jamie Mitchell actor looks completely different 20 years after shock exit

Eastenders fans couldn't get over how different Jack Ryder, who played Jamie Mitchell, looks 20 years after leaving the soap.

Jack was just 17 when he made his debut as the floppy-haired mechanic before the character was killed on Christmas Day in heartbreaking scenes.

The actor is now 41 and looked a world away from Albert Square in a recent pic he shared on Instagram.

Sporting a plaid shirt and salt and pepper beard, Jack captioned the snap: "Fantastic afternoon spending time with the folks over @cardboardcitz in Whitechapel.

Jack was compared to a "mini David Beckham" on the soap (BBC)

"Such a wonderful team and loved sharing some important insights with its members. Great being back in east London again too!"

But fans couldn't get over how different the star looked with several taking to the comments section in shock.

"Yikes I cant believe how old he looks," said one.

While another advised: "Reckon you should rock the curtains again Jack."

He made his debut as Jamie Mitchell in 1998 (BBC)

However, others were more complimentary, with one fan replying: 'Brilliant photo" while another gushed: "Love you, bro".

With his chiselled looks and blonde locks, Jack was compared to a "mini David Beckham " on EastEnders in which he starred from 1998 to 2002.

In July this year Jack posted a photo of him as Jamie, musing: "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 loved the post, with one saying: "I’m re-watching the old EastEnders just to see you!!"

While another penned: "Still don't think I've ever got over that Christmas Day. Cried my eyes out for hours."

Jamie was accidentally knocked down by Martin Fowler in Walford in a horror smash which sent fans into a frenzy.

The character's final scenes left millions bereft as the mechanic died in hospital with fiancee Sonia Fowler and Phil Mitchell at his deathbed.

Jack seen on the Lorraine show in 2021 (ITV)

Speaking about the Beeb's decision to axe him from the soap, Jack told the Mirror: "I was a bit shocked by their decision.

"When I said he was going to leave, they said they would keep the door open. It didn't really matter either way to me. I wasn't planning on coming back. At the end of the day, it's their choice."

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