Paul Nicholls, who shot to fame on EastEnders over two decades ago, proved he hasn’t aged a bit since leaving the programme.
The former soap star, 41, who joined the programme in 1996, was pictured buying some essentials in London’s trendy Primrose Hill area.
Paul played teenager Joe Wicks on the programme and won huge praise for his character’s schizophrenia storyline before leaving at the end of 1997.
During his errand-running trip Paul looked to be all smiles as he spotted the cameras, while he walked down the street.
For his excursion, Paul rocked an on-trend navy-blue bomber jacket, which he left undone, revealing a plain black T-shirt underneath.
Paul Nicholls hadn’t aged a day since his EastEnders stint
He paired the look with loose-fitting stonewash jeans and casual trainers.
Paul rocked some salt and pepper stubble on his face and still had his hair styled into his trademark curtains, which he was famed for during his 18-month stint on the soap.
Ahead of his most well-known acting role on Eastenders, Paul as a child star, appearing in a number of TV hits, including Children’s Ward, Earthfasts and the Biz.
Joe Wicks played by actor Paul Nicholls in Eastenders
He won legions of fans after playing teen hunk Joe for two years, but quit the show after battling depression and addiction to alcohol and drugs.
The actor got clean in 2008 and admitted that being thrust into fame was what sparked his off-screen struggles.
Following his departure from EastEnders, Paul bagged several roles on both the big screen and small screen.
He has starred in Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Harley Street, City Central, Law & Order: UK and Holby City.
Paul also acted alongside Hollywood starlet Renee Zellweger in Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, playing bad boy Jed.
Paul Nicholls was an EastEnders heartthrob
“People said I had too much too soon when I was playing Joe Wicks, and maybe they were right. I didn’t want to be a heartthrob, and I could not handle the attention.”
He added: “I was well on my way to a total breakdown. I was drinking a lot and taking drugs.
“I had lost control of my life. The more I partied, the more I was telling myself, ‘Wow, this is what acting is all about’.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
