Most people know Jamie Lomas as brooding bad boy Warren Fox in E4’s Hollyoaks – a role he’s recently returned to.
His face is one of the most recognisable in Soapland, thanks to his high-profile marriage to Kym Marsh and his stint in the I’m A Celebrity… jungle in 2017.
Read more: FIRST LOOK: Next week’s Hollyoaks in 10 pictures
The 44-year-old actor was also thrown into the spotlight earlier this year, when Emmerdale’s Asan N’jie threatened him at the TV Choice Awards – leading to the latter’s prompt sacking from the soap.
But Jamie recently transformed his image for a new role in a short film about homelessness – and few people would have recognised him if they’d passed him on the street.
He stars opposite his own daughter Polly and former Emmerdale star Sammy Winward in Lead Belly, a moving portrayal of a man’s battle with mental health issues and homelessness.
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The Manchester-based film stars Jamie as a former soldier living on the streets with PTSD.
It’s also Jamie’s first attempt at producing.
Our film Lead Belly raises awareness for our military veterans living with mental health issues and homelessness.
Written by Ian Armer and Amanda Webster, the drama focuses on themes surrounding homelessness and the armed forces and is inspired by actual events.
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Most remarkable, perhaps, is Jamie’s total transformation from clean-cut heartthrob to unshaven ‘tramp’.
Pictures show Jamie’s character Mark with wounds to his face, unwashed and in dirty clothes, living rough.
Mark’s experiences in Afghanistan have traumatised him; he’s haunted by a brutal event during his time in the war-torn country and his demons have driven him away from his partner Emma and daughter.
Jamie has shared a crop of images from the film as it seeks funding, saying: “Our film Lead Belly raises awareness for our military veterans living with mental health issues and homelessness.
“It’s not too late to donate to our cause to try and help raise awareness and much-needed funds for some amazing charities. ”
His followers were quick to show their support, including ex-wife Kym who told him: “Can’t wait to see this!! Smash it!!! X.”
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