He’s one of Britain’s most recognisable actors after making a name for himself on a longstanding soap.
His passion for acting started from childhood and on Monday he shared a throwback snap from 1981 in a production of Oliver at the Noel Coward Theatre, where pop star Helen Shapiro was playing Nancy.
Yet while he may have started his career on the West End, many would recognise him for his work in the East End after he moved to become a star of the small screen.
He went on to become one of the biggest names in soap operas and was recognised by The British Soap Awards when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
So can you guess who it is?
This iconic British actor looks unrecognisable in a childhood snap with Helen Shapiro at one of his first acting gigs in 1981 – but can you guess who it is?
That’s right, it’s Adam Woodyatt!
EastEnders longest serving male cast member – having starred on the soap for 37 years – delighted his Instagram followers on Monday when he shared a throwback from one of his first productions.
Unrecognisable with his curly locks and fresh faced features – he bore more of a resemblance to Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
He captioned the image: ‘Found this backstage photo with Helen Shapiro as Nancy from when I was in ‘Oliver!’ at the then Albery (now Noel Coward) Theatre in 1981.’
Adam joined EastEnders in 1985 as Ian Beale before fleeing Albert Square in January 2021 following a dramatic showdown with his ex-wife, Sharon Watts.
He returned to the soap for a brief cameo in 2022 before returning for good in August 2023.
Ian made a comeback alongside his wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
Cindy made a shocking return from the dead after 26 years, as she was revealed to be living in France with ex-husband Ian Beale and son Peter.
It later transpired that Cindy had spent the last two decades living in witness protection and was given the alias Rose Knight.
In a further twist, she was revealed to be the absent wife of Queen Vic landlord George Knight (Colin Salmon), and mother to their two daughters Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford).
It was Adam Woodyatt! (pictured in 2023) EastEnders longest serving male cast member delighted his Instagram followers on Monday when he shared a throwback snap
Adam joined EastEnders in 1985 as Ian Beale before fleeing Albert Square in January 2021. He returned for good in August 2023 alongside wife Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins)
While Adam is keeping busy with his soap career he recently revealed he has his eyes on another project.
He put himself forward to star in the BBC smash hit The Traitors, revealing he’d go to extreme lengths if there was ever the chance to star in a celebrity version.
Taking to Instagram on Friday, he posed in a Traitors style cape while staring intensely down the lens.
He captioned the post : ‘All caught up on @bbciplayer and waiting for tonight’s episode.
‘If they ever do a celeb version of #traitors I would walk to Scotland to be part of it!!’
While Adam is keeping busy with his soap career he recently revealed he has his eyes on another project as he would love to appear on The Traitors
