Lee Mead had fans all over doing a double take as he looked totally unrecognisable without his signature curls.
The West End star – and Denise Van Outen’s ex – recently headed out to Turkey for a hair transplant in a bid to reinvent himself, and has been showing off his new bald head ever since.
Lee, 41, arrived at London Gatwick airport after travelling from Istanbul in Turkey, where he said goodbye to his famous brunette locks.
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The star was pictured grinning for the waiting cameras in a navy blue overcoat and yellow plaid shirt, with a black duffel bag slung over one shoulder.
Lee could be seen with spots of blood covering his head, with a white line of scarring stretching from ear to ear.
The iconic soap star has always been open about his decision to undergo the cosmetic procedure via Hair of Istanbul, and shared a video of him having his head shaved in preparation at the weekend.
Lee gave the camera a grin as barbers worked at his scalp, explaining on Instagram: “Hair today gone tomorrow #HairTransplant #Istanbul.”
His fans and co-stars rushed to support him, with Dancing on Ice star John Barrowman telling him: “Go Lee!”
Another social media user wrote: “So brave to document this for other guys suffering with hair receding. You are amazing!”
“Think this is a great thing you’re showing people Lee,” someone else chimed in.
When the procedure was finished, Lee said: “Heading home with a cold head,” as he explained to fans: “I’ve got a very different look from when I left London airport, post-op.
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“I’m feeling sore, as you can see on my head here, and the back of my head… I’m a bit nervous about coming back to the UK, seeing friends and family and just being out and about with this new look because it’s a completely different look for me.
“But I’m so pleased I had it done. I feel more confident already. And as I was saying before, I had a good head of hair but I hid my receding areas quite well.”
The star continued: “It’s an individual, personal thing isn’t it? There’s nothing wrong with being bald, but personally for me I wanted to get my hair done.
“It’s incredible. They took my own hair from the back of my head and re-implanted it.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
