HOLLYOAKS star looks unrecognisable amid huge career change after being axed from the soap 14 years ago.
Sonny Flood, 34, was best known for his role as Josh Ashworth in the Channel 4 soap from 2005 to 2012.
His storylines included attempted murder, underage sex, drugs, drinking and joyriding.
However, he was axed after executive producer, Paul Marquess, took over and planned to give Hollyoaks a “shake up” by changing the production team and beginning a cast cull.
He axed the entire remaining Ashworth family apart from Rhys Ashworth (Andrew Moss).
The move was part of his reinvention of the serial and clearing out the “deadwood”.
He later revealed he axed the Ashworths because he believed The Dog pub should have a lively family at the heart of it.
And that the Ashworths had become grim because of their hard-hitting storylines.
Since his departure, Sonny has embarked on a new career as he quit acting for good.
The former actor is now a barrister practicing in Manchester, and he looks world’s away from his young Hollyoaks character.
His company firm’s website reads: “He routinely appears in the Family Court, receiving instructions across the North-West and further afield, and has been instructed to appear before the High Court in care proceedings.
“Sonny prides himself on his client care and his ability to build a strong working relationship with clients when dealing with sensitive subject material.
“Whilst Sonny continues to build a busy family law practice (both children and finance), this is complemented by continued instruction in civil proceedings, where he acts for both Claimants and Defendants in personal injury matters.
“On a more personal note, Sonny has recently welcomed a baby boy and enjoys spending time with his new family outside of Court.”
Hollyoaks is available to watch on E4 and All 4.
James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap.
The former American TV host doesn’t have much positive to say about his time on the soap, claiming it was “hell on earth.”
Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Gavin and Stacey.
Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010.
Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs.
Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Oscar for best live action short film, The Silent Child.
Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small
Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady.
Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent.
Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Gangs of London and even appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy
Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth.
Hannah’s eating disorder storyline was the first of it’s kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away.
Since leaving the soap in 2010 Emma has gone on to star in ABCs Once Upon a Time in Wonderland as the Red Queen. Other roles include guest appearances in Death In Paradise, Ripper Street and Fresh Meat
Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry ‘Newt’ Newton.
Nico’s main storyline in the soap was developing schizophrenia which culminated in a suicide pact.
He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village.
Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America.
He played one of the soap’s resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 – when he was killed off at his wedding.
After leaving the soap Ricky cracked America starring in teen drama The 100 and America Gods.
He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009.
Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt.
His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off.
After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, The Responder, Homefront and Good Cop.
Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving.
In 2021 Wallis won the role of Batwoman in DC’s series, taking over from Ruby Rose.
