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A former Emmerdale star looked completely unrecognisable as he returned to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a slew of selfies with his followers.
The actor, 19, who starred in the ITV soap for 17 years, quit the show 18 months ago in a dramatic New Year’s storyline that saw his character brutally killed off.
Now, he looks worlds away from his soap days – having ditched his long blonde locks and hit the gym hard.
In one snap, the star went shirtless for a close-up selfie, showing off a brand-new cropped hairdo.
In another, he flaunted his gym transformation with a mirror selfie taken after a gruelling workout session.
But do you recognise him?
A former Emmerdale star looked completely unrecognisable as he returned to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a slew of selfies with his followers
The actor, 19, who starred in the ITV soap for 17 years, looked worlds away from his soap days – having ditched his long blonde locks and hit the gym hard. But do you recognise him?
That’s right, it’s Sebastian Dowling!
The actor is best known for playing Heath Hope on Emmerdale from 2007 until his emotional exit, when his character died in a car crash that aired last year.
Sebastian appeared on the soap alongside his twin sister Gabrielle Dowling, 18, who continues to play Heath’s twin, Cathy Hope.
The new Instagram post marks the first time the former soap star has shared an update on the platform since October last year – and fans were stunned by his transformation.
One follower wrote: ‘Wow guy. All grown up and looking great. Still miss you on the show. Let us know what you up to now.’;
While another added: ‘Holy c***, mans become Hulk! Looking great bro.’
‘Now this is what a ‘glow up’ looks like.’; ‘Wow you look awesome there Seb. Nice one there mate!’
Sebastian’s final scenes aired on January 1 last year, when Heath was killed in a tragic car crash involving several village teens, including his sister Cathy.
That’s right, it’s Sebastian Dowling! (pictured with his twin sister Gabrielle Dowling on the soap in 2023)
The actor is best known for playing Heath Hope on Emmerdale from 2007 until his emotional exit, when his character died in a car crash that aired last year
At first, Cathy was thought to be behind the wheel, but it was later revealed that it was actually her friend Angelica King (played by Rebecca Bakes) who had been driving.
Angelica was charged with death by dangerous driving and handed an eight-month custodial sentence in a secure children’s home.
She also exited the soap as part of the storyline, although there’s a chance she could return to the village once her sentence is served.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV.
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Emmerdale star looks completely unrecognisable 18 months after quitting the soap – but can YOU guess who it is?