Hollyoaks star unrecognisable as he lands huge part in Netflix’s The Crown

EAGLE-EYED fans watching the new series of The Crown might spot a former Hollyoaks star joining the cast of the Netflix drama.

Bombhead became an iconic character during his time on the Channel 4 soap, and the actor who played him, Lee Otway, also had a memorable appearance on the first incarnation of ITV's Love Island.

Now he's popped back up on the royal drama, which drops tomorrow, playing a prominent role as Princess Diana's bodyguard.

It comes after he largely disappeared from the limelight following his appearances on Hollyoaks and the famous dating show.

Speaking recently on The Act Now Show podcast, Lee, now 41, said: "Maybe in hindsight I should have had more of a career plan but I went with the moment - but my thought process was: why not?

"I ended up doing all these things and they were what they were. Would I make the same choices now? Probably not. But I do admit it was good fun."

Bradford-born Lee played David "Bombhead" Burke on Hollyoaks from 2001 to 2005, and was the best friend of Lee Hunter, played by Alex Carter, and at various stages was a magician, priest and even a chef.

After his main run on the soap ended he went on to appear on ITV singing show Abbamania, Soapstar Superstar and Celebrity Stars in their Eyes, then 2006's Love Island back when only celebrities were on the show.

It was cancelled after two series.

Meanwhile, season six of The Crown sees him play the real life bodyguard of Princess Diana, called Kes Wingfield.

He was the man at the side of the princess and Dod Alfayed in their final days before the fatal crash of 1997.

But he wasn't inside the car at the time of the accident.

Lee as Kes is seen trying to protect Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, and her new partner, played by Khalid Abdalla, as they are pursued everywhere by the public and paparazzi.

The character is seen growing increasingly frustrated with staff at The Ritz hotel in Paris who don't have clue how to maintain security after the royal, who'd divorced Prince Charles by 1997, lost her royal protection.

In the inquest into the deaths Kes gave evidence and explained to the court how he'd tried to stop the disastrous situation from unfolding because Dodi and his father, Mohamed Alfayed, continually interfered in arrangements.

The bodyguard said: "If we were allowed to have done our jobs properly by the organisation we wouldn't be having this conversation now."