Outlander's Young Ian looks unrecognisable in unearthed Tracy Beaker snap

Outlander star John Bell looks totally different in unearthed snaps from his time on Tracey Beaker more than 14 years ago.

The Scots star is best known for portraying Young Ian in the Starz series Outlander, where he stars alongside Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser and Caitriona Balfe as Claire Fraser.

However, before he joined the romantic drama in season three as Highland Warrior Jamie Fraser's nephew, the 26-year-old starred in various other roles on the small screen.

In his younger years, John appeared in Tracy Beaker Returns, the sequel to The Story of Tracy Beaker on CBBC, starring as Toby Coleman, reports the Express.

He appeared in the hit sequel alongside Dani Harmer - famed for playing boisterous teen Tracy Beaker in a foster home - as 11-year-old Toby.

When Tracy returns to the foster home as a teenage care assistant, Toby also moves to The Dumping Ground after his parents tragically died in a car crash.

John's character remained at The Dumping Ground for the first two seasons but made his exit in the third outing after he was fostered.

However, the Outlander star made his first TV appearance in BBC’s sci-fi series Doctor Who three years earlier.

He was given the opportunity to feature in the popular show after he appeared in a Blue Peter competition.

Starring opposite David Tennant, John portrayed Creet, a young human boy who lived on the planet of Malcassairo, waiting to fly to Utopia from Silo 16.

During his time at the Silo 16 refugee base, orphan Creet helped new refugees find their friends and families.

Bell will be returning as Young Ian when Outlander returns to the small screen for season seven, part two.

As of yet, an official release hasn’t been announced but the drama is expected to resume sometime in November 2024.

Filming has already commenced on the eighth and final season of Outlander as well, which could begin the following year.

Outlander is available to watch on Starz and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels.

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