He bursted onto our screens as bad boy Ethan Williams in Channel 4 hit soap Hollyoaks last year, and actor Matthew James-Bailey has entertained fans with a slew of dramatic storylines ever since.
From money laundering, murder and kidnapping, the mysterious villager has managed to win over the hearts of soap fans across the nation.
Matthew’s performance as Ethan as also amassed a string of devoted admirers along the way.
As the actor begins his budding career in the world of soap, Daily Star has taken a look at his other surprising TV role, his seriously hunky snaps and the career he passed up in a bid to pursue stardom..
Political career
(Image: WireImage)
Whilst we’re used to seeing him embroiled in a slew of dramatic storylines from kidnap to money laundering, Matthew did not initially set out to be an actor.
Born Matthew Lee Trevor Bailer, the young student, who is one of five siblings, initially set his sights on a career in politics.
Taking to sixth form in his hometown of London, Matthew studied Government and Politics as he passionately pursued a potential run for office and involvement in his local community.
(Image: LIME PICTURES)
Ultimately, the star decided to go in a different direction and moved to Harlow College to study in a two-year performing arts programme.
Soon after, he landed his first gig in the TV series Cucumber and cemented his place as a soap star on Hollyoaks.
The star hasn’t revealed any plans to fall back on his original ambition to work in politics and continues to pursue his bid for stardom.
Hunky snaps
(Image: matthewjamesbailey / Instagram)
Fans flock in their droves to watch the hunky actor play bad boy Ethan Williams on the Channel 4 soap.
After masterfully playing troublemaker Ethan and entertaining fans across the nation with his dramatic storylines, the star has amassed a huge fan base and often shares hunky snaps with them on his Instagram page.
The star has a clear passion for travel and the outdoors as she shares pictures of his hikes and adventures around the world.
(Image: matthewjamesbailey / Instagram)
With a clear passion for travel to New Zealand and Australia, Matthew often documents his hikes to his 8000 followers who share their adoration in the comments.
In one snap, he can be seen looking off into the distance in front of a stunning skyline, and showing off his chiselled physique as explores the outdoors.
“It would appear I have a new crush,” said one adoring fan.
A second added: “Hollyoaks eye candy.”
Forgotten TV role
Whilst we all know him best as bad boy Ethan, Matthew took on another surprising role before making the move over to Hollyoaks.
His first profession role was on Channel 4 TV series Cucumber, a 2015 coming-of-age series about the gay scene in Manchester.
Matthew played Polish Year 11 student Tomasz Tobias in the show.
The character was originally intended to be a Mancunian called Thomas, though this had to be changed when Matthew was reportedly unable to do the accent.
Thomasz appears as a straight character who can be seen developing a relationship with the character Adam.
The nature of their connection leads viewers to believe the two have been experimenting with their sexualities.
Hollyoaks airs weekdays on Channel 4 at 6.30pm followed by a first-look episode on E4 at 7pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
