Jack Ryder in 2018: New Holby City star looks VERY different to his 'Jamie EastEnders' days

Former EastEnders heartthrob Jack Ryder has joined the cast of Holby City - and he looks world’s away from his Jamie Mitchell days.

The 37-year-old actor left the soap in 2002 when his character was killed off on Christmas Day.

Ryder was well-known for his floppy locks and bad-boy aesthetic, but he looks noticeably different in his new role as consultant surgeon Evan Crowhurst.

A new picture released ahead of his debut on the hospital drama sees him sporting darker hair and missing the hoop earring from his teens.

Fans of the show were quick to notice the difference, with many praising the actor for “ageing well.”

One user wrote: “Jamie from EastEnders? Wow he’s aged rather well.”

Another commented: “Wow he looks so different.”

A third added: “Well hello!”

West-end star Amy Lennox is also set to join the show as Chloe Godard, girlfriend to Ryder’s new character.

Godard is a doctor at neighbouring hospital Capel Cross and arrives to help her mother with a tricky patient.

Holby City is on BBC One, Tuesday at 8pm