Celebs before their tattoos look uncrecognisable – from David Beckham to Zayn Malik

Some of our favourite celebs have a much more contrasting look to when they first hit the big screen – and it’s not all to do with ageing.

That’s because many British stars have become heavily tattooed over the years.

And some of our most famous footballers, singers and reality TV personalities are now totally addicted to adding to their body art.

With this in mind, here we take a look at some of the most eye-popping tattoo transformations.

David Beckham

David Beckham has been a British sporting icon ever since he started scoring free-kicks for Manchester United and England in the 1990s.

The fresh-faced footballer went through many dramatic haircuts back then – but his tattoos are now his defining feature.

He has more than 60 designs – ranging from tributes to family members to his time performing in Manchester.

One lesser known tatt, which is often covered up with hair, is located on the side of his head and represents a solar system.

The planet with a ring sits between what seems to be lines of orbit, which come above a rose that is just in front of his left ear.

And with his arms, chest and neck now covered in ink, Becks looks completely different from his early playing days.

Jemma Lucy

Ex on the Beach star Jemma Lucy has had one of the most dramatic transformations in showbiz.

She is now instantly recognised for her face and neck tattoos – but she once looked completely different as a celebrity wannabee.

Before the ink and hair dye, Jemma was a fresh-faced brunette who was a contestant on Signed by Katie Price.

But the glamour model is now covered head to toe in tatts – with one of the most sentimental ones being on her face.

That’s because she has the name of her daughter inked to her cheek close to a design of a swallow.

She also has a tiny cross below her eye along with the word ‘love’ above her eyebrow.

Pete Wicks

Pete Wicks made a name for himself on The Only Way is Essex and he now boasts more than one million Instagram followers.

In the past he has also made money from sending fans personalised videos on Cameo.

His dark long hair and countless tattoos make him easy to spot – but he once stunned fans with a throwback snap.

He shared an old passport photo where he rocked a shaved head and was without his famous neck inklings.

Pete wrote: “New passport photo…wouldn’t even know it was the same bloke!

“10 years and a lot more hair.”

Zayn Malik

Bradford bad boy Zayn Malik has now been in the limelight for over 10 years after One Direction shot to fame in 2010.

He grew up surrounded by loved ones with Islamic heritage, but Zayn no longer identifies as a Muslim.

His X Factor audition came when he was just 17 – and the anxious teenager struggled to get out of bed on the life-changing day.

And Zayn now looks unrecognisable from his audition where he was pictured with his arms bare.

That’s partly because over the years he has become obsessed with tattoos – including having a portrait of Harry Potter villain Lord Voldermort on his calf.

But his body art also landed him in controversy in 2013 when a pistol was inked to the side of his body.

Wayne Bridge

Before appearing on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and marrying Saturdays singer, Frankie Bridge, Wayne Bridge was one of the best left backs in Britain.

The former Chelsea ace starred for England before retiring from international duty after an infamous sex scandal clash involving teammate John Terry.

He started getting inked in 2010 and his wife Frankie also has tatts – including the words ‘Sunshine n Showers’ tattooed to her back, inspired by her grandmother.

And ex-footballer Bridge has arm sleeves along with portraits of his two boys’ faces on his chest.

He showed off the meaningful tattoos in 2019 and wrote on Instagram: “New tattoo done yesterday I love it!! Well worth checking him out, very good, very chilled, even had Netflix on for me #tattoo #portrait #portraittattoo.”

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk