Former Coronation Street star Charles Dale has undergone a remarkable transformation two decades after his poignant departure from the soap as Dennis Stringer.
The actor, now 59, joined the cast of the ITV favourite in 2000, portraying Dennis for a memorable two-year stint until the character's tragic demise in a harrowing car crash.
During his tenure on the show, he was embroiled in a host of dramatic plots, most notably engaging in an affair with Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) while dating Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).
In a twist of fate, Janice's spouse Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) attempted suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in his taxi, only to be discovered by Dennis, who then suffered a fatal collision en route to the hospital.
While Les survived, Dennis passed away after a heartfelt confession of love with Janice. Fast forward 22 years, and the Welsh actor is barely recognisable, having traded the spotlight for local politics, though he clarifies that he hasn't hung up his acting boots just yet.
In 2022, he shared his political ambitions on X, writing: "Long story short, I am standing for election for my local council."
He also recounted an amusing anecdote about local press and his new business venture, saying: "Today a staff member from my local paper came into my shop (another long story, and no, I haven't retired) and asked me if I wanted to pay £50 to have my name and contact details put in the paper alongside the other candidates."
He further commented: "I said 'no thank you', now I don't know about what you, but I think that's something a local paper should perhaps "report on" rather than charge for."
The actor is also recognised for his role as MacKenzie "Big Mac" Chalker in the BBC series Casualty and has secured roles in other TV series including The Bill, Holby City as well as ITV's The Pembrokeshire Murders and Unforgotten.
In 2023, Charles admitted he was facing serious financial issues in the midst of divorcing his wife. The former soap star made the confession as he marked his 60th birthday on social media.
Alongside an image of himself on a rooftop garden in Tenby, Wales, overlooking the sea, Charles penned: "So, 60 today (WTF), unemployed, skint, going through a divorce (fine but tricky), but thanks to the generosity of my family and friends, feeling not too shoddy.
"In fact, one might say, downright chipper ! Can't think why, can you? #birthdaytshirt #haveyouturneditonandofagain?"
