Hollyoaks star looks totally different years after leaving E4 soap
Former Hollyoaks star looks unrecognisable with a grey beard and glasses 16 years after leaving the Channel 4 soap
A former Hollyoaks heartthrob appears completely transformed with a thick grey beard 16 years after leaving the popular E4 soap.
This actor featured on the programme from 2004 to 2009, and made a brief return in 2018. Stuart Manning who portrayed Russell Owen now 45, joined the show during his mid-twenties and became the show’s poster boy.
However, the star, who throughout the noughties was romantically linked with Liberty X vocalist Jessica Taylor, is now adopting a fresh appearance. Posting to his Instagram Stories, Stuart appeared sporting a grey beard and glasses. His hair is also considerably longer.
Stuart rose to fame as a Hollyoaks heartthrob when he was just 26. He proved an immediate sensation with viewers, earning some major plotlines as a result.
Stuart is best known for playing Russell Owen (Image: Mersey Television)
This included his character Russ marrying Mercedes McQueen (albeit briefly), battling testicular cancer and dating twin Sophie Burton.
He also saved Sophie from the Dog In The Pond when it caught fire – only for her to die in his arms shortly afterwards.
Discussing his frequent “shirtless” appearances in 2009, he previously told OK!: “I think that’s part and parcel of being in Hollyoaks.
“If you’re a girl coming into the show, you’re going to be wearing short skirts and small tops, and for a guy you’re going to be in your underwear or shorts or a tight top.
“When I joined the show, I prepared for that and I worked out – especially when I was in the calendar a few years ago. I’m starting to get back into my old shape again! “
When questioned at the time about the considerable female attention he got Stuart told the publication: “It’s always quite nice!
“Especially when you have to go and do signings in record shops and places like that – there are loads of women and a fair load of blokes too. I think the gay following for Hollyoaks is really big now, and that’s cool too.”
Following five years in the Hollyoaks limelight, Stuart left the soap in 2009 to pursue other ventures. He then stunned viewers when he returned to the programme in 2018 – though this proved to be his final appearance.
Stuart’s character Russ met a violent end in a hammer attack after being caught cheating on Mercedes with Goldie McQueen. Since departing Hollyoaks permanently, Stuart has maintained his acting career.
His credits include Doctors, The Dumping Ground, and Casualty. The performer also took part in I’m A Celebrity in 2009. Stuart even featured in American television series Glow and Darkness, alongside Joan Collins, Jane Seymour, and Denise Richards.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Stuart enjoys a happy marriage with wife Georgina, and the couple share two children.
