For decades, soap fans have known him as the warm-hearted, often world-weary village vet with a shaved head and kind eyes. But a resurfaced vintage photograph

has sent viewers into a frenzy, revealing that Dominic Brunt once looked dramatically different — sporting a full head of thick, mousy-brown hair that has left fans stunned.

Best known for playing Paddy Kirk in Emmerdale since 1997, Brunt has become one of the soap’s most enduring and beloved figures. Over nearly three decades

in the Yorkshire Dales, his character has weathered heartbreak, scandal, grief and redemption. Yet while Paddy’s emotional journey continues to dominate headlines, it’s Brunt’s unexpected hair transformation that has suddenly become the talk of the internet.

A Blast From the Past

The image — believed to date back to the early years of his Emmerdale tenure — shows a fresh-faced Dominic Brunt with a thick crop of hair, styled in a way that feels worlds away from the clean-shaven look audiences now associate with Paddy.

For longtime viewers, the difference is almost unrecognisable.

On fan forums and social media pages, reactions poured in almost instantly. “Handsome then, handsome now,” wrote one admirer. Another confessed: “I genuinely wouldn’t have recognised him.” Others admitted they had completely forgotten that the actor once had hair at all.

It’s a rare moment when a soap veteran can still surprise fans after so many years on screen — but this nostalgic throwback has done exactly that.

From Newcomer to Soap Icon

When Dominic Brunt first arrived in the fictional village in 1997, Paddy Kirk was introduced as the affable, slightly awkward veterinarian who quickly found his place in the community. Over time, Paddy evolved into one of the show’s emotional anchors.

He has survived some of Emmerdale’s most harrowing storylines: devastating relationship breakdowns, mental health struggles, betrayal, and the unimaginable grief of losing a child. In recent months, Paddy has once again been thrust into turmoil, caught up in the explosive aftermath of Ray Walters’ death.

Following a violent altercation involving Bear Wolf, Paddy found himself entangled in a desperate attempt to protect his father. As secrets unravelled and Bear ultimately confessed to authorities, Paddy was left fearing that he too could face legal consequences. The storyline has showcased Brunt’s ability to balance vulnerability with quiet strength — a testament to his longevity on the soap.

Amid such high drama, it’s almost surreal that the current buzz centres not on murder accusations or family loyalty, but on hair.

The Honest Truth About Hair Loss

Dominic Brunt has never shied away from discussing his changing appearance. In fact, he has previously spoken candidly about experiencing hair loss during his time on Emmerdale.

In a past television interview, he revealed that producers initially used spray products to disguise thinning patches as his hair began receding at the back. For a while, the cosmetic solution worked — but eventually, Brunt made a personal decision.

“There’s no dignity in spraying your hair on every morning,” he admitted with characteristic humour. After two years of maintaining the illusion, he asked producers if he could shave it off entirely.

The result? The now-iconic bald look that fans instantly recognise.

His openness about the experience resonated with viewers, many of whom appreciated his honesty and refusal to cling to unrealistic standards. In an industry often obsessed with youth and image, Brunt’s decision felt refreshingly grounded.

A Hypothetical Hair Comeback?

Though he embraces his current look, Brunt has joked that if a miracle cure for hair loss were ever invented, he’d go all in.

“If they invented a pill that gave you your hair back,” he once quipped, “I’d have thick, curly Italian hair and grow it as big as possible.”

The remark perfectly captures the actor’s self-deprecating charm — the same quality that has endeared Paddy to audiences for nearly 30 years.

Yet whether bald or boasting a full mane, it’s clear that Brunt’s appeal goes far beyond hair. His nuanced performances, emotional depth and relatable warmth have cemented his status as one of Emmerdale’s most treasured stars.

Why Fans Care So Much

Soap actors often become part of viewers’ daily lives in a way few other performers do. Watching a character evolve over decades creates a sense of familiarity — almost like growing up alongside them.

Seeing Dominic Brunt with a full head of hair is more than a cosmetic curiosity; it’s a reminder of time passing. It takes fans back to earlier eras of Emmerdale, to storylines long resolved and characters who have since departed.

In many ways, the photograph symbolises the longevity of both the actor and the show itself.

Paddy Kirk may currently be grappling with fear and uncertainty as legal clouds gather overhead, but off-screen, Dominic Brunt’s transformation highlights something far simpler: change is inevitable.

And sometimes, it’s worth celebrating.

Whether with a thick head of 1990s locks or the confident shaved look of today, Dominic Brunt remains unmistakably himself — a cornerstone of Emmerdale and a reminder that true star power has nothing to do with hairlines.

For fans, the verdict is unanimous: handsome then, handsome now — and still one of the Dales’ finest.