A HOLBY City star looks completely unrecognisable showing off his ripped figure and huge tattoos 24 years after his first appearance on the BBC show.

The Scottish actor, now 47, has replaced his clean-cut former show look with a bushy beard – and has told how his image re-vamp was in-part due to recent relationship heartache.

David Paisley shows off his chest and arm tattoos, and beard, in a locker room selfie.This Holby City star looks completely unrecognisable as he shows off his ripped new figure Credit: david.paisley/instagram David Paisley shirtless, showing off his tattoos, muscles, and beard in a locker room.He has also opted for a beard two decades on from his BBC show stint Credit: david.paisley/instagram

David Paisley played midwife Ben Saunders from 2002.

His character was at the heart of a gay kiss scene with A&E assistant Tony Vincent, played by Lee Warburton, in January 2003 which attracted more than 100 Ofcom complaints at the time of broadcast.

David’s first fresh-faced stint on Holby saw him star from 2002 to 2003, spanning 34 episodes.

He is also well-known for roles in Tinsel Town and River City, as well as a short stint on fellow BBC One show .

David Paisley as Ben Saunders in "Holby City."The actor made his Holby City debut as midwife Ben Saunders in 2002 Credit: BBC Actor David Paisley, who appears as Robert the Bruce in the BBC production "Rise of the Clans."The Tinsel Town actor recently became a father Credit: John Kirkby – The Sun Glasgow

Though the Falkirk native is almost unrecognisable to his loyal Holby fans after dramatically switching up his look.

His Instagram grid is filled with impressive selfies, showing him flashing the bird and floral tattoo designs across his arms and chest in poses in the locker room.

David’s six pack is often on full display, too, leaving one fan to exclaim: “Damn”.

In one caption, the screen star wrote: “Turns out the thought of being in a jock strap for an entire play is quite effective gym motivation…”

In another, he gave a nod to his personal life and put: “Turns out heartbreak can be quite motivating. Sigh. Another lesson learned.

“And yes, I need a haircut and beard trim”.

One fan was quick to respond: “I’m sorry to hear that. Big hug”.

A second put: “David, I’m so sorry to hear this. I know the feeling well. Use it as your fuel. You’re just meant for so much more. Sending my love”.

In happier off-screen news, back in April he revealed he had become a dad.

The actor posted an adorable series of snaps showing him cuddling his newborn and he gushed: “The last few weeks have completely changed my life”.