Soap operas have been around in Britain for decades, first as radio shows before moving to television in 1960 with Coronation Street.
Since then, the titans of soaps have risen to give viewers tension, drama, romance and comedy all in one episode. Currently, there are four major soaps being aired in the UK – Emmerdale, Corrie, Hollyoaks and EastEnders.
As a result, viewers who watch the show night after night have got used to the faces of many of the characters that make up the storylines that keep the nation gripped. However, once the cameras stop rolling, the actors can look quite different to their on-screen selves.
So, as the tension and drama continues to unfold in soapland, Daily Star looks at some of the complete transformations some actors have, as we delve into their secret lives.
Bradley Johnson as Vinny Dingle
In 2019, Bradley joined Emmerdale as the latest addition to the Dingle family. Know for his trademark glasses, Vinny immediately became a fan favourite as he grappled with the storyline of his then-unknown father.
But aside from the Dales, actor Bradley has a completely different life, including a previous stint as a musician. Back in 2017, he appeared on the BBC’s competition Let it Shine, where he belted out a hugely popular performance of Bring Him Home from Les Misérables.
Clair Norris as Bernadette Taylor
Joining the EastEnders cast back in 2017, Clair was a huge star of the show, until she decided to leave in 2021 to film her first documentary for the BBC’s Panorama programme. Since then, she has been incredibly open on her weight journey, filming a full-length documentary on the horrific bullying she has received throughout the years.
However, Clair does not let the haters stop her from doing what she wants, and continues to give loyal fans updates on what she is up to away from Walford. She recently wowed fans as she shared an update on her first wedding abroad, leaving fans gobsmacked with her beautiful dress.
Lorraine Stanley as Karen Taylor
Bernadette’s mum Karen also looks much different away from the Square, as actress Lorraine Stanley loves to get glammed up, sharing some glitzy snaps with fans. The difference has been so stark that many fans have branded her as “unrecognisable” when she gets out of character.
The actress’ skills have been constantly noticed and rewarded, with Lorraine landing a slew of gongs during her stint on the show. She lets herself get rough around the edges with messy buns, vest tops and denim on the soap – which could not be further from what Stanley wears in normal life, which is filled with fashion and colour.
Dolly-Rose Campbell as Gemma Winter
Gemma Winter is the loveable rogue of Weatherfield, and has thankfully settled down with hubby Chesney. But off screen, actress Dolly-Rose Campbell could not look more different.
Whilst Gemma often applies heavy make-up and pigtails to show her rebellious spirit, Dolly’s looks are far more chic and glamorous, with a gentle make-up application to show off her natural beauty. Her wardrobe is almost the complete opposite of her character, as she prefers tailored suits to the frilly and frumpy garment Gemma wears.
Jonny Freeman as Reiss Colwell
A shy and awkward fellow, Reiss Colwell endeared himself to the nation when he joined EastEnders in 2022 following the death of Dot Cotton. But away from his character, actor Jonny Freeman looks very different, opting to ditch the scruffy look of his character.
Known for his roles in other top dramas including Silent Witness and M.I. High, a headshot of the actor went viral after it resurfaced online. Fans of the show were stunned at the difference, with many branding him a “very handsome” man.
