Five boyband star Ritchie Neville unrecognisable with dark hair and tattoos

FIVE boyband star Ritchie Neville looks completely unrecognisable after switching up his hairstyle and look.

The Everybody Get Up hitmaker, 43, found fame with his four other bandmates in the Nineties.

Five – sometimes stylised as 5ive – were formed in 1997 by the same people who managed the Spice Girls.

The line up included Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love and Jason “J” Brown.

Ritchie proved a fan-favourite with his cheeky-chap persona and youthful demeanour.

He veered between a floppy curtains hairstyle and bleach-blonde spikes.

The band – who covered Queen track We will Rock You sold more than 10 million records worldwide during their heyday.

The boys split on 27 September 2001, but reunited several times over the years.

Five reunited for the Boys are Back tour in 2020, but announced former members J Brown and Abz Love would not be taking part.

So, Ritchie led the way with Sean and Scott instead.

Yet during his downtime away from the band, the pop hunk has hardened up his look.

The dad – who shares a daughter with Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton – has bulked up his physique with repeated gym sessions.

His Instagram page is filled with snaps showing him training – and flashing his new tattoos in his gym vest.

He has also dyed his hair a dark brunette shade.

Talking of his new look, he wrote on his Instagram page: “It’s been a long road back from lockdowns, eating and drinking too much.

“I guess low mood. Limbo. But 6 months ago I decided enough was enough, I hid it the weight well but made a promise to exercise regularly and decided to share progress.

“Still some to go but I’m feeling better about myself.

“Wanton body shot over. Normal business resumed.”