Matt Lucas appeared on Wednesday's The One Show sporting a new beard, joking about his 'bizarre' look as he discussed his upcoming role as Fagin in Lionel Bart's musical Oliver!.
The actor, 52, was on the BBC One show to talk about playing Fagin for six weeks only at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End. The episode also aired an emotional tribute to Dolly Parton.
As well as Oliver!, Matt will also appear on Taskmaster alongside Richard Ayoade, Isy Suttie, Chloe Petts and Nina Conti.
Growing a 'bizarre' beard
Matt said of his new theatre role: "I'm growing this bizarre beard" to which host JB Gill said: "It looks good!" while co-host Clara Amfo quipped: "Well, let's talk about that. I don't think we've ever seen you this way."
This prompted Matt to admit: "Well, I've never ever tried. I grew a moustache for three weeks in the pandemic, but I mean, I, you know, I've talked about this before. I have alopecia. Lost my hair when I was six, shortly after that photo [a picture on screen] was taken, actually."
"So seven weeks ago, when I knew I was doing this, I went, 'Right, what happens if I don't shave?' And this is what, so my aim is to keep growing it down to my ankles."
Viewers react to new look
"And then when I'm at the football and it's freezing in the winter. Wrap it as a scarf!" with Clara joking: "I love that. Function and fashion. Fantastic."
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were also quick to comment on and praise Matt's new look. One person said: "Didn’t recognise Matt Lucas, quite a change since I last seen him. Looking good though. #theoneshow!"
A different viewer wrote: "Matt Lucas looks like a different person. #theoneshow" while another show watcher joked over how unrecognisable Matt looked: "They definitely said Matt Lucas was on #theoneshow tonight …. still waiting."
Meanwhile, a different show watcher added: "Cant wait to see @RealMattLucas take on fagan in @OliverOnStage #theoneshow."
Career highlights
It comes as Matt, who shot to fame on Little Britain and has more recently returned to the comic relief role of Thenardier in Les Miserables for the musical's mammoth 40th anniversary celebrations, recently received his OBE for services to theatre.
The One Show airs on weeknights at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
