BBC EastEnders star Jessie Wallace looks very different to character Kat Slater as she debuts drastic transformation

EastEnders actress Jessie Wallace has debuted a dramatic new look a world away from her character Kat Slater. The 52-year-old, who has portrayed the role of the Walford icon since 2000, has been flooded with compliments after making the drastic change.

Fans are used to seeing the actress on-screen in the BBC One soap with her jet black locks and leopard-print attire, but she has now showcased a completely different look on her Instagram. It comes as EastEnders viewers are following the storyline of Kat and her ex-husband Alfie Moon who has just come clean about his cancer diagnosis.

The former Queen Vic landlord initially lied to Kat about his cancer after being diagnosed in August and claimed he got the all-clear, but the truth eventually came out after Alfie got in a fight with Phil just before he was set to marry Kat, who is now known as Kat Mitchell.

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Jessie Wallace shocked fans in real-life after sharing a snap to her Instagram earlier this morning (Nov 18). The actress posted a picture to her 214,000 followers with no caption, as she showed off her striking new bleach blonde hair.

The Kat actress donned a full-face of makeup pairing her red lipstick with her red top, with her new hair on full display. Fans quickly took to the comment section to react to the transformation.

@dunstanstuart wrote: "Blonde bombshell," as @misssixtyeight said: "Ooh it’s a yes from me, looking like a young Madonna xx," as @rachelcrowther47 commented: "Omg you so suit blonde," and another @ninetieskidforever agreed: "You are so rocking