Darren Day: From Heartthrob to Cactus Shopper

Darren Day looked worlds away from his 90s heartthrob heyday as he stepped out in Essex to visit a second hand jewellery shop on Thursday. 

The actor and singer, 57, who is best known as a leading man in West End musical theatre, sported a very different look as he hit the shops carrying a miniature cactus. 

Darren rocked a black leather jacket over a plain white T-shirt and matching skinny ripped jeans. 

The star donned a pair of lace up black boots and opted for a number of long gold necklaces. 

Darren swept his greying locks over to one side and sported long facial hair for the low-key outing. 

He was spotted carrying a large tote bag as well as the miniature cactus and later picked up an energy drink. 

Last month, Darren was rushed to A&E with a suspected broken arm - just hours before his latest appearance in a touring production of Mother Goose. 

Taking to Instagram, the actor said at the time: 'Currently sitting in A&E with suspected broken bones in my wrist and elbow. Just over an hour ‘til I’m onstage!' 

Darren plays the villainous Demon Vanity alongside former star  as Princess Jill and Basil Brush as King Basil in an  production of Mother Goose. 

The actor, a stage veteran, was preparing for the second of two shows at Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury when he suffered the accident. 

Commenting on his latest Instagram update, co-star Helen wrote: 'Your the best Darren love you loads.' [sic] 

Darren and his cast-mates were on a month-long UK tour with the Anson Benson Productions stage show. Their final show was scheduled for April 19 at Victoria Theatre in Halifax.  

The performer's trip to A&E comes shortly after he and ex-partner Suzanne confirmed they are grandparents.

Taking to Instagram, former Hear'Say singer Suzanne revealed Corey's girlfriend had given birth to baby son Colton. 

While their relationship was turbulent to say the least when they split back in 2005, the former couple have buried the hatchet as they put on a united front while smiling with the newborn.

Darren had an illicit fling with Shaw in 2003 while co-starring in the touring theatre production of Summer Holiday, despite both being engaged to other people.

The actor's reputation and career subsequently took a major nose dive after he walked out on the singer and their seven-week old son Corey on Mother's Day in 2005, while battled postnatal depression, reportedly uttering the phrase 'I don't do family.'

Now embarking on a new chapter as grandparents, Day joked about the former couple's age gap as he penned: 'Grandad loves you so much…and is actually old enough to be a Grandparent, unlike Nanny! @suzi_shaw'.

Shaw added: 'Something beautiful, something true, My baby boy Corey, became a father To a precious son, wrapped softly in blue.