ITV viewers double take as they spot huge noughties singer in brand new series of McDonald and Dodds

ITV VIEWERS were left stunned as they spotted a huge noughties singer in McDonald and Dodds.

The beloved crime drama returned on Sunday night for its fourth series on air.

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ITV

ITV

Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia both reprised their roles as DCI Lauren McDonald and DS Dodds.

But as the duo got on with trying to solve a brand new case, viewers were stunned to discover a huge popstar also stars in the show.

During the two-hour episode Pixie Lott appeared on screen, playing the role of Lola Baker.

It took ITV viewers time to realise who the character really was – with Pixie now sporting much shorter hair compared to her heydays.

Taking to social media, one fan said: “Only just clocked the woman in white is Pixie Lott!!”

A second wrote: “I didn’t recognise Pixie Lott.”

“@PixieLott enjoyed watching you play Lola on McDonald and Dodds you were amazing on it,” said a third.

While a fourth commented: “First time I’ve seen you acting. I thought you were very good.”

Pixie, 33, also penned a message on X, formerly Twitter, about her appearance.

She told fans: “So thrilled to be a part of @itv crime drama, McDonald and Dodds, with this brilliant cast. Tune in tomorrow at 8pm, you do not want to missssss what happens.”

McDonald and Dodds is available now on ITVX.

Crime dramas on ITVX

Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.

• Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
• The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother’s grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake’s novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
• Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place  during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
• The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
• Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.