The actor who portrayed EastEnders’ heartthrob Jamie Mitchell looks very different 20 years on.
At just 17 years of age, Jack Ryder took on the role of Jamie in the beloved BBC One soap opera.
He played the role from 1998 to 2002 and was even hailed as “a mini David Beckham” because of his floppy hair and chiselled good looks.
READ NEXT: Shane Ward unrecognisable with full head of hair 17 years after X Factor win
The actor is now 41 and looks very different 20 years on from his exit as Jamie Mitchell, where the character was killed off in a brutal and heart-breaking storyline that played out on Christmas day.
In recent snaps of the actor on Instagram, followers often find themselves shocked by how different he looks.
With shorter hair in a grey hue, often complimented by matching stubble on his face – fans can’t believe how much he has changed over the years.
Underneath one recent snap posted in October, fans flocked to the comments section, with one writing: “Yikes I cant believe how old he looks.”
While someone else joked: “Reckon you should rock the curtains again Jack.”
In July he posted a photo of him as Jamie and penned: “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.
(Image: BBC)
“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 penned: “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.”
(Image: ITV)
While 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 runs over Jamie and he is hospitalised.
Dying of liver damage, Sonia was completely distraught, as were the rest of the Mitchells when they found out about the sad news.
After his EastEnders exit, at aged 21 Jack performed as Justin Timberlake on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes – which he won.
More recently he has been working as a film and theatre director, as well as publishing his first kids’ novel – Jack’s Secret Summer with Hachette Children’s Group.
For more of the latest showbiz and TV news from the Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
