BBC star unrecognisable 23 years after finding fame in Tracy Beaker

More than twenty years after rising to fame, a former BBC child star has become unrecognisable as she shares glimpses of her current life on social media.

Chelsie Padley, who graced our screens in the inaugural episode of The Story of Tracy Beaker back in 2002, is now captivating followers with a different kind of storytelling.

She portrayed Louise Govern, Justine Littlewood's friend, for 57 episodes until 2004, sharing the screen with Dani Harmer who played the titular character, Tracy.

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These days, Chelsie has swapped the TV spotlight for the role of a content creator and fitness influencer, focusing on home workouts.

Chelsie, 34, celebrated her marriage to Iain George last year, and the couple are now excitedly expecting their second child, following the birth of their daughter Goldie in 2023, reports Wales Online.

Keeping her fans in the loop, Chelsie has been documenting her "Preggo Diaries" since announcing her pregnancy in March with a heartfelt video that captured the moment she discovered the positive test and broke the news to Iain.

Her announcement came with a playful caption: "There's a bun in the oven.....and it's not sourdough.

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

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

The news was met with a wave of congratulations from fans and friends, including Zoe Sugg who commented: "Congratulations" and her former co-star Dani Harmer who added: "Yay!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!"

Beyond updates on motherhood and her pregnancy journey, Chelsie has also been entertaining her audience with throwback diary entries from her time on the set of Tracy Beaker.

Earlier this year, Chelsie shared a nostalgic video where she read from her diary about filming a 2004 Children In Need episode, telling fans: "So from Saturday 2nd November, and then it's got 'Best Day Ever' in a box, 'Today was immense'."

She went on to describe her excitement: "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."

Amidst laughter, Chelsie took a moment to chuckle and exclaimed "Bless me," before continuing: "We went to the green room for a bit and gradually, celebs started arriving."

Detailing her interactions, she said: "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."

She recounted further encounters: "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 noted: "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."

Chelsie described the bustling set: "I did about four seasons just dancing and mingling, there were 30 child extras and 30 adult extras."

Concluding her trip down memory lane, Chelsie declared, "That really was the best day ever," a sentiment echoed by her followers.

Cara Readle, known for her role as Layla Jones in Tracy Beaker, joined in the reminiscing, commenting: "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 commented.

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