Sunday Brunch viewers could not believe their eyes after former EastEnders actor Harry Reid turned up on the Channel 4 show without specs on.
Soap fans were blown away by the change in the 25-year-old’s appearance just two months on from his departure from Walford, with several admirers also admitting on social media to having a crush on the actor due to his new look.
“What a transformation,” tweeted viewer Sarah (@SL_Dee73), one of many to note how “amazing” the Kent-born performer was looking.
Read more: Axed EastEnders star admits he’s now “glad” he was written out of the soap
“Harry Reid looks a bit fit on #SundayBrunch,” added Nisha-Paris (@hinish_wbuxx), whose appreciation for Harry was also echoed by fellow viewers Gemma Cheston (@GemmaCheston) and Chris Clark (@chrisclark80).
“Think I fancy him a little bit since leaving eastenders,” typed Gemma
Chris added: “Well @HarryReid16 has turned in to a stunner!”
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But not everyone could work out who Harry was at first.
And even though Sunday Brunch’s Twitter account helped some place the unfamiliar face to the voice – one viewer thought Harry sounded different to his soap character Ben, too – observer Jayne (@jayniecakes) could just not get over the handsome chap chatting to Simon Rimmer used to play the fictional fruit of Phil Mitchell’s loins.
Omg watching @SundayBrunchC4 and I’ve only just realised @HarryReid16 is Ben from @bbceastenders lol! Sorry not long woke up so give me a break lol.Look and sound so different!Your actually sound like @ollyofficial which let’s face it can’t be a bad thing lol
— Sarah Wilcox 🐻 (@sarahwilcox4676) April 1, 2018
Same with the voice I was so confused lol!
— lionsden99 (@lionsden99) April 1, 2018
Oh my days I didn’t realise it was you sat at the @SundayBrunchC4 table until you started talking. I’m missing you loads in #EastEnders but can’t wait to see you take your talents to new roles ❤
— Char Em (@Char_Emily01) April 1, 2018
No freakin way is this Ben Mitchell aka Harry Reid off Eastenders! #SundayBrunch pic.twitter.com/xMjSC9765Z
— Jayne (@jayniecakes) April 1, 2018
But what exactly is it about Harry’s ‘new’ appearance that was so confusing – and endearing?
A combination of weight loss and dropping the specs seemed to be the primary factors… although one admirer also had a lot of time for the hand he used for chopping in the kitchen.
@HarryReid16 OMG just realised who im watching on @SundayBrunchC4 how much weight have you lost…. totally new look 😘
— samantha (@samyidcharteris) April 1, 2018
Had to Google who @HarryReid16 was after watching him on #sundaybrunch can’t believe I didn’t recognise Ben Mitchell., so different without his specs.. 👓
— Liz Rodgers (@Liz__Bert) April 1, 2018
All the best people are left handed @HarryReid16 ❤😍 #SundayBrunch pic.twitter.com/YUrKEbNrst
— Auntie Pegg (@AuntiePegg) April 1, 2018
And another fan – a regular watcher of EastEnders, no less – had so little idea who Harry was she thought he was on the show accompanying another guest, Outnumbered’s Hugh Dennis.
You were sat next to Hugh Dennis so I thought you were the young lad off Outnumbered lol 😂 sorry as I’m a EE fan 😳
— Helen Miles (@Fluffadelic) April 1, 2018
What do you make to Harry’s new post-EastEnders look? Let us know by heading over to our Facebook page to join the showbiz conversation – @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Damn @HarryReid16 talk about glo up 😂 @SundayBrunchC4.
— Cassandra (@Cassand11713206) April 1, 2018
Looking very handsome Harry ! Happy Easter🐥
— Pam (@montgomerydoggy) April 1, 2018
@HarryReid16 On Sunday Brunch 😍..
— R-PiaCarra (@HiyaDollxx) April 1, 2018
you look amazing @HarryReid16
— Victoria Pearson (@victori11188212) April 1, 2018
Nice to see @HarryReid16 back on our screens again haha! The play sounds great, looking good! pic.twitter.com/VeahQ5GynH
— Alyssa McMahon (@Alyssaalouisee) April 1, 2018
Harry Reid suddenly looks so cute in Sunday Brunch wow we love him
— Sophie’s proud of Dec (@SophiexHorayne) April 1, 2018
I had the same. Much better looking than Ben 😍
— Kelly (@dodgekels) April 1, 2018
Sunday Brunch is on Channel 4, Sundays at 9.30am.