Remember Hollyoaks’ Bombhead? Actor Lee Otway looks unrecognisable 17 years later

EVERY Hollyoaks fan from back in the day remembers the epic and unbreakable bromance between Bombhead and Lee Hunter.

And no doubt a few tears were shed when dim-witted Bombhead, played by Lee Otway, packed his bags and joined the circus.

But what has Lee, now 40, been up to since waving goodbye to the ‘Oaks in 2005?

Shortly after his exit from the soap Lee competed in Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes and had a suprisingly good voice.

He stormed to victory on the classic competition, claiming first prize and also competed in Soapstar Superstar in the same year.

In 2007 Lee joined the cast of Celebrity Love island alongside Calum Best, Bianca Gascoigne and Brendan Cole.

Lee didn’t find lasting love on the dating show but he did manage to rub a few people up the wrong way including Paul Danan and Brendan Cole – with whom he reportedly got into a punch-up.

The star looks very different now as he showcased his bugling biceps and six pack after revealing that he eats five meals a day packed with protein and works out up to five times a week.

“Six months ago, I noticed I was out of shape and unfit. Even just climbing the stairs I’d be out of breath,” he told The Mirror.

“I cut out alcohol, and underwent a training plan with a personal trainer. I wasn’t eating enough, and when I was, it was usually a takeaway or something convenient. Gone were the takeaways and beers, replaced by protein shakes, smoothies, and five high-protein, balanced-carb meals a day.

“I train four to five times a week and usually have a cheat day on a Saturday when I treat myself to a takeaway.”

Fans will be glad to know that Lee has continued to act.

In 2009 he made his film debut in drama Breathe starring with Ricci Harnett, the movie won Best Director at the 2010 London Independent Film Awards.

In 2015 he formed a band with three friends called Diversify, the group perform covers of popular songs from the likes of One Direction, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars in pubs and clubs.

In November of 2015 Lee graduated from a two year Master’s programme as a Master of Arts in Film Production and posted a proud family snap on Twitter to mark the achievement.

If more recent pictures on Lee’s Twitter are anything to go by we can confirm that he is doing well.

Sporting a new, slick do and pictured with a number of good looking women, it appears life at the circus hasn’t been half bad for Bombhead.

Back in 2014, Lee played the role of Ben West in Kay Mellor’s The Syndicate and in 2019 he appeared as Ethan Ibbertson – the guest lead in an episode of BBC’s Doctors.

Lee was also a guest presenter on CBBC Exchange, recording a segment on Blackpool back in 2003.

While your enjoying this trip down the Cheshire Oaks memory lane, why not check out what hunky fireman Ben Davies or teen goth Newt, who looks very different without the jet black hair and eyeliner.