Forgotten TV icon transformations – Lovejoy actor, The Good Life star and Bread hunk

Music icon and actor David Essex recently made fans swoon, after showing off his youthful appearance on Loose Women earlier this week.

The 74 year old spoke to the Loose Women hosts about his upcoming tour – with many fans taking to social media to compliment his eyes and saying that he was their “first crush.”

Although David is a famous musician, he also delighted fans in programmes including The River in the nineties – becoming a TV icon in the process.

Following David’s appearance on Loose Women, Daily Star has taken a look back at some classic TV icons through the decades – and what they look like now.

READ NEXT: Neil Morrissey’s life – huge net worth, Amanda Holden fling and surprising second career

David Essex (The River)

David Essex won legions of fans in films including That’ll Be The Day and Stardust, as well as musicals including Godspell back in the 70s, before making a return to screen in 1988 in BBC series The River.

Playing ex-convict and lock keeper Davey Jackson, the series followed his life as its turned upside down by the arrival of a newcomer called Sarah.

Fans could regularly see David in his canal boat as he flashed his gorgeous eyes and dark wavy hair, but despite the series being loved by audiences, it only ran for six episodes.

Today, David looks as youthful as ever as he prepares to head out on a tour this September 2022, still flashing those eyes that sent fans wild on his recent Loose Women appearance.

One person took to Twitter saying: “David Essex – what a sort! Those gorgeous blue eyes and cheeky smile. One of my first crushes”

A second added: “David Essex on Loose Women” followed by a heart-eye emoji.

Felicity Kendall (The Good Life)

Felicity Kendall CBE landed her breakthrough TV role on BBC programme The Good Life in 1975 – becoming a household name in the process.

Between 1975-1978, fans regularly tuned in to see her and Richard Briers as Barbara and Tom Goode – a surburban couple trying to become self-sufficient – with much intrusion from their nosy neighbours.

Felicity looked incredible as she donned a number of stylish outfits in the programme – and nearly 50 years later, it seems the star has not aged a day.

Felicity continues to look as radiant as ever, as she shows off her ageless appearance at number of events including The Evening Standard Awards at the Savoy Theatre.

The 75 year old looked beautiful in a black tailored suit, paired with her blonde locks tied in a glamorous up-do hairstyle.

Finished with smoky eyes and a pop of pink lipgloss, Felicity is still as stylish as ever in the years since her TV debut.

Ian McShane (Lovejoy)

Ian McShane became a household name after appearing as antiques dealer Lovejoy in the long running TV series, which ran on the BBC between 1986-1994.

Lovejoy could regularly be found getting up to a scheme or two, all while finding a hidden treasure to make a quick turn around on in his antiques trade.

Viewers adored the programme, as well as Ian McShane, with his hunky appearance complimented with his trademark leather jacket and waves of brown hair.

Ian McShane is still adored by generations of fans today, with the star looking as incredible as ever with his signature dark waves, piercing blue eyes and stubble framing his handsome face.

Since Lovejoy, his charismatic charm has also been introduced to new audiences as the star took on Hollywood in films including Pirates Of The Caribbean and the John Wick film series, opposite Keanu Reeves.

Nerys Hughes (The Liver Birds)

Actress Nerys Hughes rose to fame as Sandra Hutchinson in Carla Lane’s iconic sitcom The Liver Birds in the early seventies.

The series, which ran between 1971-1979, with a brief revival in 1996, starred Nerys and Polly James as Sandra and Beryl – two flatmates who took viewers on a journey through their lives, loves and everyday problems.

Nerys looked super glamorous in the role of Sandra, wearing the hottest fashions of the times including her iconic blue suede coat – and showcasing her gorgeous brunette locks.

Today at the age of 80 years old, Nerys looks as glamorous as ever as she shows off her beautiful brown hair as it flows past her shoulders.

Three years ago she looked incredible as she met the Duchess Of Cornwall, wearing a stylish white tailored jacket and electric blue blouse.

With her youthful appearance and stunning smile, Nerys is every bit a fashion icon as her character Sandra was.

Peter Howitt (Bread)

Peter Howitt became an instant heart throb back in 1986, after he drove onto our TV screens as Joey Boswell in iconic eighties comedy Bread.

Playing the eldest of the Boswell children from Liverpool, Bread followed him and his family in their everyday lives as part of another classic from Carla Lane, with the series reaching the heights of over 28 million viewers at its peak.

Peter was certainly popular as Joey Boswell too, with his hunky good looks, blonde hair, leather jacket and catchphrases including “greetings” winning over fans – and leading the star to have his own fan club too.

Today, the 64 year old actor turned director doesn’t seem to have aged a day – still flashing that handsome smile as he works behind the camera.

The Sliding Doors and Johnny English director’s blonde hair as Joey Boswell has also given way to his natural brown hair, with Peter still looking every inch as incredible as his iconic character.

Paul Nicholas (Just Good Friends)

Paul Nicholas was another TV icon that fans could not get enough of, after he appeared as bookmaker Vince Pinner in John Sullivan’s hit comedy Just Good Friends.

Running between 1983-1986, the series followed Vince and Jan Francis’ Penny Warrander as the former lovers who meet again after five years – giving viewers one of the biggest will they-won’t they scenarios of all time.

Already a huge star in musicals and from his pop career, Paul Nicholas looked dashing in his tailored suits as Vince – with his big blue eyes, blonde curls and cheeky grin making viewers melt.

Nearly 40 years since Just Good Friends, fans once again shared their love for the star after he made a surprise appearance on This Morning in 2021.

While the trademark blond curls may no longer be visible, Paul Nicholas looked as incredible as ever as he still flashed his cheeky grin for the viewers at home – while looking as stylish as ever in jeans and a tailored blue shirt.

Fans were delighted to see the star on the famous blue sofa, with the star since entertaining audiences both in the theatre and a few years ago as Gavin Sullivan in BBC soap EastEnders.

Ade Edmonson (The Young Ones)

Ade Edmonson is a comedy legend, especially for his appearance in programmes including The Comic Strip Presents… and of course, The Young Ones.

The satirical and surreal comedy only ran for two series between 1982-1984, but has become a cult classic, with Ade playing punk Vyvyan opposite huge stars including Nigel Planer, Christopher Ryan and the late, great Rik Mayall.

Ade’s outfit was iconic as Vyvyan, with the star’s red spiked hair, denim co-ords and stars across his forehead becoming instantly recognisable.

Today, Ade Edmonson looks worlds away from his on-screen counterpart, with the comedian and actor looking extremely dapper in his tailored suits.

The 65 year old’s red spiked hair is nowhere to be seen, with the star instead dressing much more demurely as he dons trendy thick-rimmed glasses and short brown hair.

Along with outfits including fitted shirts, jeans and suit jackets, Ade looks phenomenal over 40 years since The Young Ones first burst onto our screens.

Su Pollard (Hi-di-Hi)

Sue Pollard was already a star in the making by the time she landed her breakout role as Peggy Ollerenshaw in long running sitcom Hi-Di-Hi in 1981.

The series about the fictional holiday camp was a huge hit, and followed the lives of the Yellowcoat entertainers who worked at Hi-Di-Hi.

Aspiring Yellowcoat and maid Peggy was a hit with fans, with Sue’s quirky style loved by viewers as the actress showed off her beautiful auburn curls, stylish glasses and fabulous make-up.

Today, the 72 year old looks as fabulous as ever – and still dons the trademark red lipstick that her character Peggy loved.

Sue is also rocking a stunning crop hairstyle, as well as a number of phenomenal and colourful outfits that fans just cannot get enough of – with the actress recently delighting fans after she made an appearance on popular BBC series Masterchef.

For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.

READ MORE:

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk