We’re not ones to throw the term “unrecognisable” about with wild abandon (note: changing the colour of your hair, wearing a hat or leaving the house without make-up on do not count), but even the keenest of celeb spotters at HuffPost struggled to name this famous(ish) gentleman after he took part in this weekend’s Sellebrity Soccer Match.
Let’s look at the evidence…
Anyone?
Yeah, yeah, we know we gave the game away somewhat by including Shayne Ward’s name up there in the headline, but still, UNRECOGNISABLE, right?
Let’s contrast and compare...
Before…
After....
Shayne, we approve.
The former Coronation Street star and X Factor winner showed off his hairy new look as he took to the pitch at the Sellebrity Soccer Match at the PTS Academy Stadium in Northampton.
The charity event was organised to raise money for Archie’s Fund to help a young boy with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II.
The 34-year-old played alongside former TOWIE star Dan Osborne, rugby star Ben Cohen and James Hill from The Apprentice, and went on to win the match on penalties.
After winning the X Factor back in 2005, Shayne turned from singing to acting, playing Aidan Connor on Corrie for three years before bowing out in a storyline that saw him take his own life.
Despite winning praise for his performance, Shayne later admitted he was “hurt” that his character’s suicide storyline was snubbed from the longlist of last ear’s National Television Awards.
Reacting to the snub, Shayne tweeted: “This was the one I worked hard for. It’s always a blessing to be put forward for a nomination. And I’m always humbled.
“But to have not even been considered for Best Serial Drama Performance for Aidan’s suicide has really hurt me.”
In an attempt to stop his words being “misconstrued”, he then took down the tweet, and posted a follow-up statement in which he explained he wasn’t upset for himself or his “ego”, but rather that the way Corrie treated an important and relevant issue had been overlooked.
“I’m sorry if my tweet was misconstrued by some people,” he said. “It really wasn’t about me winning an award and being selfish or having an ego. That ain’t me.
“I really thought it was an important issue that I wanted to draw attention to again. Sometimes the way we word stuff doesn’t always showcase our true meaning. So I’m sorry again. Love to you all.”