EastEnders: Jack Ryder is unrecognizable from the character Jamie Mitchell

EastEnders fans have been shocked at how different former cast member Jack Ryder looks today, 24 years after he first appeared on the soap opera.

The actor, known for his boyish looks and soft drapes, made his Albert Square debut in November 1998 aged 17 before leaving the BBC series in December 2002.

Jack is now 41 and has changed his image since his last Walford scenes, in which his character tragically died in a car accident.

Time flies: EastEnders fans have been shocked at how different former cast member Jack Ryder looks today (left), 24 years after he first appeared on the soap (pictured right for the soap in 1998)

Jack recently took to Instagram to express his gratitude after being invited to give a master class for homeless professional theater group Cardboard Citizens and shared a picture of himself along with his message.

He was seen in a black and red plaid shirt while his brown hair was cropped short and his limp blonde locks were nowhere to be seen.

Jack, who was previously married to former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kym Marsh, sported some designer stubble while going much sleeker during his soap opera days.

Flashback: The actor, known for his boyish looks and saggy drapes, made his Albert Square debut in November 1998 at the age of 17 (pictured in 2000).

Maturation: Jack is now 41 and has changed his image since his last Walford scenes, in which his character tragically died in a car accident

In the comments section of Jack’s Instagram post, one person wrote: “Ouch I can’t believe how old he looks.”

Another wrote, “I think you should rock the curtains again Jack.”

However, Jack also received some complimentary messages, including one which read: “I think you look amazing Jack we all get older eventually, I remember your boyish good looks from watching soaps now I know Not …

Former relationship: Jack was previously married to former Hear’Say singer Kym Marsh from 2002 to 2009 (pictured in 2001)

On screen: Jack played Jamie, a member of the Mitchell clan, on EastEnders (pictured as Jamie with Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy in 2000)

Heartfelt words: Earlier this year Jack paid tribute to his EastEnders character Jamie to celebrate 20 years since he left the soap

“I wish you good health and I hope you have done things that make you happy.”

While someone else simply shared, “I still think you’re hot.”

Earlier this year, Jack paid tribute to his EastEnders character Jamie, sharing a picture of him standing in Albert Square on his Instagram page to celebrate 20 years since he left the soap.

He wrote: “Once a Mitchell… This year marks 20 years since I left Eastenders. I owe so much to the people there for giving me such an opportunity at such a young age.

“If I really think back, everything I am and do was born out of that experience. Certainly there have been hard times. challenging times. But never on set with these wonderful people. I will be forever grateful.’

Grateful: “Once a Mitchell. This year marks 20 years since I left Eastenders. I owe so much to the people there for giving me such an opportunity at a young age,” Jack wrote of the soap (pictured in 2002).

Source: | Dailymail.co.uk