By Angie Quinn

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Hollyoaks star Matt Littler looks completely different from his soap character Max Cunningham 17 years after departing the Channel 4 programme.

Matt, now 43, seems to have forged a thriving career behind the scenes after his character met his demise back in 2008.

The ex-soap actor became part of the Hollyoaks cast as Max in 1997, stepping into the role previously held by Ben Sheriff.

His character became renowned for his tight-knit and amusing bond with best mate Sam ‘OB’ O’Brien, portrayed by Darren Jeffries.

Though their friendship faced numerous challenges, particularly regarding Clare Devine, brought to life by Gemma Bissix, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Nevertheless, Max ultimately discovered romance with Steph Dean (Carley Stenson) and the pair made plans to spend their future together.

Yet disaster struck during Max and Steph’s wedding ceremony when the bridegroom was struck by a vehicle driven by intoxicated rival Niall Rafferty (Barry Sloane).

Max perished at the location whilst Steph, OB and his younger sibling Tom Cunningham (Ellis Hollins) attempted to rescue him.

Following his departure from the soap in 2008, Matt has transitioned from performing in front of the lens to working behind it, now creating documentaries and short productions.

This year Matt informed followers about his most recent venture after securing work with an “award winning director” and travelled to Texas for shooting.

Posting on Instagram, Matt gazed into the camera and remarked: “It’s not every day you get booked by an Emmy award winning director and your old gaffer from T4 to fay out to Texas to shot in VR.

“Erm that’s what’s just happened, and here I am in Texas filming in VR, feels like the thing you should make social media about.”

Sharing news of the thrilling American project, Matt penned in the caption: “Spent last week at #SXSW shooting immersive and generally causing trouble with @richcook01 Met some awesome people – @victoriapchamlee @samwrench and the whole SXSW team, thanks so much for an awesome shoot!”.

In a separate Instagram update, Matt was spotted strolling through the rain whilst making his way to the House of Lords in London to chat about immersive technology and ways to improve education for youngsters.

His additional projects also involve utilising his talents to help combat knife crime.

When he’s not in front of the cameras, Matt works as a vocal coach and lent his voice to several Game Of Thrones video games.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am