Michelle Collins looked unrecognisable as she hid beneath a bright pink wig while preparing to portray a sex worker in a new film.
The 59-year-old soap star is well known for her long, blonde locks – but appeared to have undergone a transformation for a new role.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday afternoon, the actress – who famously played Cindy Beale on EastEnders in the '80s and '90s and Stella Price on Coronation Street from 2011-2014 – stunned fans with her new look.
She posed with candy floss pink locks tumbling down around her ears and shoulders while her bright blue eyes peeped out between gaps in her long fringe.
The star was also wearing a dramatic necklace in her selfie photo, and a black leather coat.
The star hinted her new look was due to a new role as she added a series of hashtags to her post.
The long list of associated words and phrases included: "#pinkhair #loveit .#badass #filming #nightshoot #ladyofthenight #freezing #cardiff but lovely #crew #cast .#keepingmewarm."
And indeed, Michelle is believed to be playing a role in a new drama.
The Sun reports: “she is in Wales for her filming, for a prospective gritty role playing a prostitute.”
Meanwhile, the new hair appeared as though it may only be temporary – as she later shared a selfie of herself travelling on a train, with her signature blonde hair back in place.
Fans responded to her pink wig look to share positive feedback.
One fan wrote in the comments section of her Instagram post: “You look incredible,” alongside a flame emoji and a heart emoji.
While another fan gushed: “Ooh I love this colour,” while also adding a flame emoji.
Proving herself to be something of a style chameleon, Michelle proved she can still teach the youth of today a thing or two about grabbing attention – having previously hit out to slam younger soap actresses for looking too similar.
She told The Mirror last year: "There is a sort of uniform look among a lot of young people in a lot of soaps.
"We are lacking in individual looks in a way. That’s the time we are living in.
"When I was growing up, I was a punk and there was a big music scene and there were a lot of different cultures."
Michelle added: “All the girls now look the same. I am not saying this in a derogatory way but soap stars all look very similar."
While Michelle has been working in Wales, she has also been undertaking family duties while in the country.
Taking to Instagram earlier on Sunday, she wrote: “#filming #cardiff love the train so much .
#letthetraintakethestrain #greatwesternrailway.”
She went on: “Also going to scatter mums ashes in #pontypridd tomorrow where she was born ! #excited. It’s what she wanted," and added: “Just found out she was actually born in #Aberdare.”
