'So different': X Factor winner unrecognisable in iso selfie

Australia fell in love with a fresh-faced 16-year-old Reece Mastin when he took out the top spot on the 2011 season of The X Factor Australia, but now it appears that the star has very much left his old look behind.

Reece, 25, has shocked his fans by sharing several snaps of his new appearance on Instagram, in particular, a full beard he’s been sporting while in isolation.

“Omg you have changed,” exclaimed one follower in the comments section.

“You look so different with a beard didn’t even recognise you,” remarked another.

Back in April, the star announced that his facial hair was here to stay until self-isolation is over; “The beard isn’t going until quarantine does!!!” he declared.

Reece’s followers appear to be on board with his decision, with one writing: “Beard is a solid 9/10 on the iso scale.”

The British-born star’s new look follows his slow and steady progression from reality TV winner to bona fide singer-songwriter.

In the years following X Factor, Reece released a number of hit singles including Shut Up & Kiss Me, but in 2015 announced he was splitting from Sony Music to sign with an independent label.

At the same time that his professional life was taking a new direction, so too was his personal life with Reece and his girlfriend of three years, Home And Away star Rhiannon Fish, calling it quits.

That same year he was linked to Australia’s Got Talent winner Bonnie Anderson, who went on to appear on Neighbours.

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