Bridgerton star looks unrecognisable in new role as he ditches iconic sideburns

Bridgerton star Jamie Beamish, who played villain Nigel Berbrooke in the Netflix drama, has undergone a huge transformation for his new role in BBC comedy-drama Ludwig

Bridgerton viewers might be in for a surprise as one of the show's villains has bagged a new role in a BBC drama, looking entirely different.

The second episode of BBC comedy-drama Ludwig, airing on Wednesday, will feature Jamie Beamish, known for his role as Bridgerton's baddie Nigel Berbrooke. He'll be guest-starring as Ben Naylor and looks and sounds completely unrecognisable.

In the Netflix period drama, set between 1813 and 1827, Jamie is seen sporting a clean-shaven look with a curly quiff and iconic sideburns. His character, Nigel, was infatuated with Daphne and even tried to blackmail her into marrying him.

Fans have dubbed Nigel as 'the one we love to hate'. Apart from his changed appearance, Jamie can be heard speaking in his native Irish accent in Ludwig, contrasting with his English accent in Bridgerton. The actor hails from Waterford, Ireland, and is also recognised for his role in the Irish sitcom Derry Girls, reports OK!.

However, fans may struggle to recognise the star in Ludwig, set in modern times, as he appears completely transformed with a 'bad boy' image. Unlike his Bridgerton character, he is seen sporting a full beard and a straight comb-over hairstyle while being interrogated by Ludwig.

The debut episode of David Mitchell's new series has hit the screens this week, and viewers are completely engrossed in the fresh murder mystery saga. In the series, David takes on the role of accidental detective John 'Ludwig' Taylor who finds himself embroiled in a thrilling escapade after his identical twin brother mysteriously disappears, with his sister-in-law, Lucy Betts-Taylor, portrayed by Anna Maxwell Martin.

For those ardent fans, the entire Ludwig series is ready for viewing on BBC iPlayer, and those who have devoured the whole thing are already pleading with BBC to greenlight a second series of the show. "Dear @BBCOne PLEASE can we have a second series of #Ludwig!! " one fan passionately expressed on X, formerly known as Twitter, while another chimed in: "Just starting episode2 of #Ludwig it's blooming marvellous. Recommend 100%," an excited fan wrote.

"Hard not to be a fan of Ludwig @RealDMitchell, if not for the logic puzzle but also the music. Will try not to binge-watch the whole series," a third fan shared. Another viewer also praised the soundtrack of the BBC series, taking to social media to write: " #Ludwig with @RealDMitchell - wonderfully amusing and unexpectedly compelling. Having to binge-watch it to reach the end when really, I've got things to do! Incredible soundtrack - as you would expect!"

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