27 March 2023 , 15:44
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EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt looks completely different as he sported a new bushy beard.
The actor, 54, is best known for his role as Ian Beale between 1985 and 2021. He looked worlds away from his character as he left Sainsbury's recently.
Although Ian is usually clean-shaven, fans might remember the time the character was homeless and living in an underpass.
In 2012, the character had a long and unruly beard as he returned to Albert Square sporting cuts on his face.
In new photos, the star rocked a luscious beard as he walked out of the store in Manchester wearing a simple black beanie.
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He kept it casual in a black t-shirt, grey trousers and a green khaki jacket.
Adam Woodyatt looked unrecognisable with a long beard (SplashNews.com)
He was running errands in Manchester (SplashNews.com)One picture showed the star looking relaxed as he chatted away with a friend as they ran errands this week.
The actor is currently in Manchester as he is starring in My Fair Lady as Eliza Doolittle's father, Alfred P. Doolittle.
Previously speaking about his beard, he said: "Since I've had the beard, I don't get shouted at in the street."
The classic moment Ian Beale became a tramp on EastEnders (BBC)His stint on My Fair Lady comes after it was reported that he is set to star in Cheryl's West End hit show, 2:22: A Ghost Story.
He’ll be following in the footsteps of Walford alumni Jake Wood, who is currently starring alongside Girls Aloud star Cheryl.
He kept it lowkey for the outing (SplashNews.com)
He's currently playing in My Fair Lady (Marc Brenner)Jake, who played Max Branning in the BBC1 soap, said: “Ian would be fabulous in 2:22. He has said to me he’d love to do it and hopefully, he’ll get his turn. It’s such a fun one to do.
“It’s quite a remarkable play – probably the best I’ve ever read or been in – and the fact they can reinvent it with a new cast means people will come back again and again.”
Fans might remember Ian briefly sporting a beard when he was homeless (BBC/Matt Frost)An insider said: “Adam really fancies another stage play. He’s loved treading the boards with My Fair Lady, which ends in April, and 2:22 Ghost Story is a potential fit.” Bagging Adam would be a big coup for Ghost Story bosses.
Critics initially questioned the decision to bring in celebrities like Cheryl, 39, Lily Allen, 37, Laura Whitmore, 37, and Matt Willis, 39, instead of distinguished West End actors.
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Adam played Ian Beale for 36 years (BBC)Although Adam left EastEnders in 2021, he made a brief appearance at Dot Cotton's funeral.
Speaking about a return to Walford last September, Adam said cryptically: “The door is open, but the door is also open for opportunities elsewhere as well.”