Tracey Beaker child star looks unrecognisable more than 20 years later

Over two decades on from her breakout role, a former BBC child star is barely recognisable as she shares peaks into her life via social media.

Chelsie Padley, who starred as Louise Govern, friend to Justine Littlewood, in the hit show The Story of Tracy Beaker, which debuted in 2002, has since transitioned away from the screen.

She became a familiar face across 57 episodes until 2004, acting alongside Dani Harmer, who played Tracy.

These days, Chelsie has carved out a new niche as a fitness enthusiast and content creator.

The 34-year-old married Iain George last year, and they are expecting their second child, following the birth of their daughter, Goldie, in 2023.

Chelsie has been regularly updating her followers with her "Preggo Diaries" since announcing her pregnancy in an endearing video back in March showcasing the positive test and the moment she shared the wonderful news with Iain.

She wrote in the caption: "There's a bun in the oven.....and it's not sourdough," reports Wales Online.

She continued to tease: "Baby George #2 due in November. Hands up if you think Goldie is gonna be the best big sister?"

She added: "I've only known 3 weeks but I can't wait to be able to tell you why I'm friggin knackered."

Well-wishers quickly showered Chelsie with support, among them Zoe Sugg who penned: "Congratulations" and her past colleague Dani Harmer who also exclaimed: "Yay!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!"

Apart from posting about motherhood experiences, pregnancy updates, and her prowess in baking sourdough, Chelsie has kept her fans entertained by divulging nuggets from her diary written during her time on Tracy Beaker.

In a nostalgic video from earlier this year, she reminisced about a 2004 Children In Need episode by sharing memories with her followers: "So from Saturday 2nd November, and then it's got 'Best Day Ever' in a box, 'Today was immense'."

She excitedly transported her audience back in time, recalling: "I went to costume and wore my gorge red skirt and Beaker T-shirt, which I kept so I've got a well nice skirt now and it's short. Then went to make-up and got my bunches and my spots covered."

With infectious laughter, Chelsie interjected to express amusement at her younger self with a light-hearted "Bless me," before diving back into her diary entries stating: "We went to the green room for a bit and gradually, celebs started arriving."

Detailing her interactions on set, she recounted: "My only scene before lunch was the one with celebs Abs, who I was with, Rani, Kate and Handy Andy, who are all mainly presenters. Abs was really nice and funny and talkative.

"Then had lunch and other celebs arrived, Michael Fish, the legend weatherman. Kevin, chef, and Shane Lynch from Boy Zone."

Reflecting on the surreal experience, she added: "It's so weird seeing famous people, but I got pics with most of them. One scene I had to dance with the weatherman, I saw Connor from series one, he's fine but surprised to see me.

"I did about four scenes just dancing and mingling, there were 30 child extras and 30 adult extras."

As she finished reading, Chelsie said, "That really was the best day ever," and her followers couldn't agree more.

Cara Readle, who played Layla Jones on Tracy Beaker, commented: "Omg I forgot Michael Fish! This is hilarious!! I got so many photos of this day."

"I follow you for the crazy mumness and fab vibe, but now to find out you were in a beaker," one follower said.

"Mini Chelsie was just the same as u are now," another added.