Coronation Street's Theo star unrecognisable with blonde hair in forgotten TV role

A former star of Tracy Beaker has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now unrecognisable as a Coronation Street heartthrob. The popular children's TV show, based on Jacqueline Wilson's book of the same name, aired on CBBC from 2002 to 2005.

It followed the life of young Tracy (Dani Harmer) in care, along with the other children and adults who cared for them. Introduced in the second series was trainee care worker Nathan Jones, who eventually became a full-time care worker after finally completing his coursework.

Nathan graced our screens until the third series. The character was played by none other than actor James Cartwright.

Soap fans have only just realised that he is currently playing Theo Silverton in Coronation Street. The 40 year old actor first set foot on the Cobbles in March this year.

He is married to Danielle Silverton (Natalie Anderson), but unbeknownst to her, he's been having a secret affair with Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce). The pair were brought together by Todd's late aunt Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) after a metal pole from some scaffolding he was working on nearly struck her.

Theo and Julie initially clashed as he believed she was trying to extort money from him, but later discovered she had terminal cancer. The scaffolder told Todd that he wasn't gay, but they soon found themselves unable to resist each other and began a clandestine relationship.

Todd was left heartbroken when Theo's wife arrived at the Street and found out that they had been married for 19 years.

James' debut in the famed soap was unveiled earlier this year. Speaking of his character, he revealed: "I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour."

The actor shared his enthusiasm for joining the cast and fondly recollected, "a lot of my memories growing up as a young boy were settling down with my gran after tea, she'd make me a crumpet and we'd sit there and watch Corrie."

He additionally remarked: "'I feel like it's a great honour to be a part of something that's brought joy to people for so long."

Beyond Coronation Street and Tracy Beaker, James is recognised for his roles on television, having appeared in The Bill, Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise, Function at the Function and Clocking Off in the 2000s.

Post-Tracy Beaker, his career continued with parts in Outlaws, Blackpool, Missing, The Afternoon Play and Instinct. James has graced TV screens in episodes of Holby City, Hollyoaks Later, Dracula, Doctors, Love, Lives and Records and even Downton Abbey.

His latest performances include Humphrey Lash in Sister Boniface Mysteries, Stephen Lampart in Dalgliesh, John I Lackland in Glow & Darkness and Jimbo Riley in Father Brown.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX