Hannah Waddingham looks unrecognisable in first major acting role see throwback

Publish date: 2024-06-27

The Ted Lasso star was 25 years old when she made her West End debut

Hannah Waddingham is returning to our screens in her Apple TV+ Christmas special later this month – and we can't wait for thestar to bring the festive cheer with her hour-long extravaganza. 

It's been a big year for Hannah. Not only did she bid farewell to her character Rebecca Welton in the third and final season, but she also co-hosted the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest

WATCH: The trailer for Apple TV+'s Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas

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While Hannah found fame through her roles in , and of course, , she has been a leading lady on stage for over 20 years. The London-born star made her West End debut in a production of Charles Aznavour'sin 2000 – and she looks completely different! 

The then-25-year-old can be seen donning red hair in a photo taken of a performance at the Shaftsbury Theatre. Hannah played the role of Suzanne Valadon in the musical, starring alongside Sevan Stephan.

From there, Hannah went on to portray Christine Warner in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton's, before playing the role of Satan in at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

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The performer has since starred in productions of, and , for which she earned an Olivier Award nomination.

As for her screen career, Hannah landed her first TV role in the 2000 sitcom. She then went on to appear in episodes of and

In 2014, she played the role of Tonya in the ITV comedy series, , before gaining wider fame for her portrayal of Septa Unella, the iconic 'Shame Nun', in seasons five and six of Game of Thrones.

Soon afterwards, Hannah landed a recurring role in Netflix's , playing Jackson's mum, Sophia Marchetti.

Her most notable performance, however, came in 2020 when she played Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+'s hit comedy-drama, , which ran for three seasons. 

Since then, Hannah has appeared in 2, the ITV miniseries and the animated sitcom,

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In March this year, Hannah was announced as part of the cast for the untitled eighth

All you need to know about Hannah Waddingham's Christmas special 

Hannah will be ringing in the holidays with her Apple TV+ special, , which premieres on 22 November.

The star is expected to share anecdotes and memories from her own Christmases, as well as welcome special guests for a musical extravaganza at the London Coliseum.

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"I love the build up to Christmas and all the magic and sparkle that comes with it!" Hannah said in a statement. "If I'm perfectly honest, I'd be happy to start it all in November!

"Getting glammed up and spending time with loved ones and family is something I look forward to the most, so filming this campaign really got me in the festive spirit."

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