Soap favourite Himesh Patel looked very different in The Luminaries...
EastEnders fans were pleasantly surprised after spotting Himesh Patel in new BBC drama The Luminaries.
Himesh played Albert Square resident Tamwar Masood for nine years, before his character exited the soap to travel the world.
The last fans heard was that he'd married Mick and Linda Carter's daughter, Nancy, in Australia, thousands of miles away from Walford.
WHAT IS ON TONIGHT? Check out our NEW and improved TV Guide
He's since seen roles in films such as Yesterday and the Aeronauts, and most recently, The Luminaries.
Soap fans were delighted to see Himesh back on their screens, where he stars as rich and well-liked Emery Staines.
One wrote, "Is the guy in #TheLuminaries Tamwar from Eastenders? I can only see him as being about 15 and a bit geeky!! but that is definitely not what I’m seeing on screen!"
Another added, "It's Tamwar from Eastenders, I don't think I'll will be able to take him seriously as the leading man #TheLuminaries"
A third wrote, "So pleased for geeky Tamwar off Eastenders getting to act opposite /snog Eve Hewson #TheLuminaries"
And a fourth wrote, "No idea what is going and Bono's daughter is in this, I have, seen her before and she is good. I feel old lol. Tamwar from Eastenders is in it too and he is good #TheLuminaries"
Speaking to the BBC, Himesh revealed why he was drawn to The Luminaries.
He said it was due to "The breadth of the story in terms of the characters that hail from all over the world."
Himesh added, "In telling a story of New Zealand, and the history of New Zealand, it tells a story of other parts of the world, because people came to New Zealand from across the globe.
"There is also a slight element of fantasy. It’s a very interesting mix of things."
The Luminaries is available on demand via BBC iPlayer.
BBC One will air EastEnders: Secrets from the Square, hosted by Stacey Dooley, at 8pm on Mondays, while classic episodes of the soap will air at 7.30pm on Tuesdays.
