Outlander's Sam Heughan looks very different in unearthed pics from young soap star days

Outlander's Sam Heughan is barely recognisable in throwback photos from the early days of his acting career. The actor, who plays Jamie Fraser, first graced our screens in 2004 in the historical drama Island at War, before securing a significant role in the soap Doctors five years later.

In 2009, he joined the cast of Doctors as Scott Nielson, featuring in 21 episodes and even bagging a nomination for Villain of the Year at the British Soap Awards in 2010. His acting portfolio also includes appearances in River City, Midsomer Murders and A Very British Sex Scandal, prior to landing his breakthrough role in the Starz series Outlander in 2014.

Sam and co-star Caitriona Balfe quickly became household names following their performances in the historical fantasy romance drama, based on Diana Gabaldon's novels of the same name.

He continues to portray Jamie Fraser, with the cast recently confirming that filming has concluded on the series. Fans eagerly await the release of Outlander's eighth and final season next year.

Since stepping into the shoes of Jamie Fraser, Heughan has also featured in Channel 4's Suspect in 2022 and the broadcaster's 2023 psychological thriller The Couple Next Door.

In the long-standing BBC soap Doctors, which ended after 23 years in 2024, Sam Heughan played the character Scott Nielson. Scott Nielson is the boyfriend of Nurse Cherry Malone (Sophie Abelson), joining the show in 2009.

Scott and Cherry's relationship initially appears to be blossoming after a series of romantic dates, but Scott's secret life as a drug dealer soon comes to light.

Despite deceiving Cherry from the outset by claiming he was a wine merchant frequently travelling to France for work, it quickly becomes apparent that Scott is involved in nefarious activities.

However, their romance takes a tragic turn when Scott unexpectedly dies in distressing scenes.

Cherry wakes up to the horrifying sight of Scott's lifeless body beside her, the result of a heroin overdose.

Despite her attempts to revive him, she is unsuccessful and is subsequently arrested by the police who suspect her involvement in Scott's death.

Although Sam's stint on the show was brief, his portrayal of Scott earned him a nomination at the Soap Awards in 2010, reports the Daily Record.

Recently resurfaced photos from the awards night show the young actor alongside his on-screen love interest Sophie and fellow cast members Richard Mylan and David Sturzaker.

Doctors fans can catch up with the show on BBC iPlayer and Outlander can be streamed via MGM+, which is available as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video.