Emmerdale star looks totally different a year on from shock soap exit

A former Emmerdale cast member surprised fans with their return to social media this week. The actor, who worked on the ITV soap opera for 17 years, now looks a little different, more than a year on from his unexpected departure.

Sebastian Dowling, now 18, is best known for playing Heath Hope on the show from 2007 until his exit, which saw the character die in a car accident in scenes that aired last year. He starred alongside his twin Gabrielle Dowling, 18, who plays Heath's twin Cathy Hope, for over a decade on the soap.

Now, Sebastian has showcased his latest appearance in a new post on social media this week, as reported by the Express. He shared photos on Instagram recently, returning to the platform after an almost year-long break.

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The actor has ditched his lengthy blonde hair and been hitting the gym as part of his transformation since leaving Emmerdale. Alongside photos of his new look, Sebastian wrote in the caption of his post: "Have you missed me?"

One photo showcased his shorter hairstyle, with Sebastian sporting short and tousled dark locks in a selfie included in the post. A second photo in the post this week showed him posing shirtless in a mirror.

The post marks the first time that the former soap star has posted on the platform since October last year. Fans shared their reaction to his latest appearance in the comments section, with some seemingly surprised.

One person wrote: "Wow guy. All grown up and looking great. Still miss you on the show. Let us know what you up to now." Another said: "Holy c***, mans become Hulk! Looking great bro."

A third wrote: "Now this is what a 'glow up' looks like." Meanwhile, a fourth person commented: "Wow you look awesome there Seb. Nice one there mate!"

Sebastian left Emmerdale in a New Year's storyline that saw his character die on January 1 last year. He was killed off in a car accident that involved other teenagers from the village, including Heath's twin sister Cathy.

The car crash was initially thought to have been caused by Cathy. However, it was later revealed that Cathy wasn't the actual driver, with pal Angelica King (played by Rebecca Bakes) having been behind the wheel instead.

Angelica ended up facing trial, having been charged with death by dangerous driving. She was handed an eight-month custodial sentence in a secure children's home.

She left the soap as part of the storyline. However, there's a chance that Angelica could make a return to the village once her sentence has been served.

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