A former star of Tracy Beaker has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now unrecognisable as a Coronation Street heartthrob.
The much-loved children’s TV show, based on Jacqueline Wilson’s book of the same name, aired on CBBC from 2002 to 2005.
The series followed the life of young Tracy (Dani Harmer) in care, along with the other children and adults who looked after 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 brought to life 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 discovered that they had been married for 19 years.
James’ entry to the scene was revealed earlier this year. Sharing his thoughts on his character, he said: “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 his shiny new part and nostalgic moments: “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 continued by stating: “‘I feel like it’s a great honour to be a part of something that’s brought joy to people for so long.”
Beyond the cobbles of Coronation Street and the world of Tracy Beaker, James has collected an array of roles over the years. Back in the early 2000s, he graced our screens in The Bill, Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise, Function at the Function and Clocking Off.
After waving goodbye to the chaos of Tracy Beaker, he appeared in Outlaws, Blackpool, Missing, The Afternoon Play and Instinct.
His acting journey has also featured stops in Holby City, Hollyoaks Later, Dracula, Doctors, Love, Lives and Records and Downton Abbey.
More recently, James dove into the role of Humphrey Lash in Sister Boniface Mysteries, breathed life into Stephen Lampart in Dalgliesh, stepped into the shoes of John I Lackland in Glow & Darkness and portrayed Jimbo Riley in Father Brown.