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Watch unrecognisable Endeavour star Shaun Evans in first-ever TV role

The actor made his television debut more than 20 years ago

shaun evans endeavour s9
Eve Crosbie
TV & Film Writer
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Shaun Evans is perhaps best known to audiences for his role in the long-running ITV murder mystery drama, Endeavour. But did you know that he's been working in television for more than 20 years?

MORE: All there is to know about Endeavour star Shaun Evans' love life

The 43-year-old actor first appeared on screens back in 2002 in comedy-drama Teachers and he looks almost unrecognisable. Check out the clip below and see for yourself...

WATCH: Shaun Evans looks unrecognisable in Teachers

Shaun was just 22 years old when he made his television debut in the second series of the BAFTA-nominated Channel 4 series. In the show, which also starred the likes of Andrew Lincoln and Nina Sosanya, he played a French teacher named John Paul "JP" Keating, who often was mistaken for a sixth form student due to his youthful appearance. 

MORE: 9 surprising facts about Endeavour ahead of final series

MORE: Shaun Evans' next major role after Endeavour finale revealed – and it sounds seriously good

Shaun landed the role not long after graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he studied acting. Speaking to the Irish Post about his early career, he revealed that he almost went to university to study history and politics before he chose to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

Shaun Evans © Photo: Channel 4

Shaun looks completely different these days

"I was 18 and I fancied it to be honest," he said. "It may sound flippant but it was what I wanted to do… I can't really explain it. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go to drama school and I went." He added that his parents were "surprised but supportive" of his decision, and he's never looked back! 

Shaun Evans in Teachers© Photo: Channel 4

Shaun was just 22 years old when he made his television debut

The year after his turn in Teachers, Shaun went on to star in his first major film, The Boys from County Clare, alongside a bevvy of well-known actors, before landing supporting and starring roles in several other films. Following that, he returned to television, appearing in the likes of Ashes to Ashes, Whitechapel, and more recently, The Scandalous Lady W.

MORE: Shaun Evans TV career: a look back at the actor's history on screen

Following the final series of Endeavour, Shaun is set to lead the cast of a brand new true-crime series alongside Line of Duty and Motherland actress, Anna Maxwell Martin.

The upcoming ITV series, which is currently in production under the working title, Delia Balmer, will explore the real-life story of Delia who survived a near-fatal relationship with murderer John Sweeney.

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