Daniel Craig looks unrecognisable in resurfaced images from his early fame with a strikingly different look

Daniel Craig has left fans shocked with his strikingly different look from his early fame.

The actor, 56, is well-known for his short silver locks and dapper sense of style, but has been no stranger to changing up his look over the years.

And the James Bond star has left fans surprised with one look in particular as Daniel looked almost unrecognisable in some newly-resurfaced images.

Photographs from his appearance on 1996 BBC drama Our Friends in the North left his fans doing a double take as he sported a very different style.

The Hollywood heartthrob had long brunette locks which cascaded past his shoulders for his role as Geordie Peacock in the Newcastle-based series.

Now well-recognised for his short, choppy hairstyle, Daniel looked worlds away from his 007 days as he starred on the Peter Flannery-created show.

Daniel Craig has left fans shocked with his different look from his early fame as photographs resurfaced of him on 1996 BBC drama Our Friends in the North with Christopher Eccleston

Daniel Craig has left fans shocked with his different look from his early fame as photographs resurfaced of him on 1996 BBC drama Our Friends in the North with Christopher Eccleston

The Hollywood heartthrob had long brunette locks which cascaded past his shoulders for his role as Geordie Peacock in the Newcastle-based series

The Hollywood heartthrob had long brunette locks which cascaded past his shoulders for his role as Geordie Peacock in the Newcastle-based series

Also looking strikingly different from their famed looks were his co-stars Christopher Eccleston and Mark Strong, who similarly sported long, luscious locks in their roles.

Daniel has since became globally recognised for his 15-year tenure starring as famed spy James Bond in the smash hit movie franchise.

He retired from his role as 007 in 2021 after his last hurrah as Bond in No Time to Die, where he starred alongside the likes of Rami Malek and Lashana Lynch.

Daniel has since moved away from his trim Bond look and, while keeping to his dapper sense of style, has now grown out his silver tresses.

On Sunday, he showed off his new look while appearing at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, where he was awarded the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film.

He sported a longer, slicked-back hairstyle and well-groomed facial hair, while he framed his face with a pair of small, round glasses.

Daniel, who is married to Rachel Weisz, cut a suave figure in a beige suede three-piece suit, which he styled with a matching checkered tie. 

Ever since he stepped down as 007 after five films, speculation has been rife about who will take over the mantle as the famed spy.

Daniel is no stranger to changing up his look and has been sporting an array of dapper looks since stepping down as James Bond four years ago

Daniel is no stranger to changing up his look and has been sporting an array of dapper looks since stepping down as James Bond four years ago 

On Sunday, he showed off his new look while appearing at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, where he was awarded the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film

On Sunday, he showed off his new look while appearing at the London Critics' Circle Film Awards, where he was awarded the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film

In recent days, lesser-known actor Stuart Martin has unknowingly catapulted himself into the ring as a possible replacement for Daniel.

The 38-year-old Scottish actor is said to have impressed bosses with his last decade of work and is in the running alongside some very famous names. 

He has reportedly been involved in tentative 'under the radar' talks with Eon Productions, who make the beloved spy movies, with insiders claiming he could be in 'serious contention' to play the 007 agent.

If chosen, he would be the first Scot since original star Sean Connery to take on the role as the British secret agent.

'Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know,' an LA movie consultant who has worked with the Bond franchise said.

'He is in serious contention. No-one will confirm this because Eon goes all out to deny and shy away from anything concerning casting, but it would be an amazing milestone to have a Scottish Bond again.'

The source added that there is still 'hurdles to jump through' including multiple meetings with Eon so they can 'get a feel for his personality'.

They continued: 'And let's not forget, Eon doesn't give a damn whether the man who lands the job is famous or not. It is about getting the man they want and who they feel is best suited for this life changing experience.

Ever since he stepped down as 007 after 2021's No Time To Die, speculation has been rife about who will take over the mantle as the famed spy

Ever since he stepped down as 007 after 2021's No Time To Die, speculation has been rife about who will take over the mantle as the famed spy

In recent days, lesser-known actor Stuart Martin (pictured) has unknowingly catapulted himself into the ring as a possible replacement for Daniel

In recent days, lesser-known actor Stuart Martin (pictured) has unknowingly catapulted himself into the ring as a possible replacement for Daniel 

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Barbara Broccoli in 2022, but sources said Hollywood bigwigs are questioning his credentials

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Barbara Broccoli in 2022, but sources said Hollywood bigwigs are questioning his credentials

'It is more pressure, scrutiny and stress than any other movie role.'

Hailing from Ayr in Scotland, Martin broke out in the Channel 4 comedy-drama Babylon in 2014. 

He later landed roles in the historical dramas Medici: Masters of Florence and Jamestown before achieving greater prominence in Victorian crime series Miss Scarlet and The Duke in which he took the lead as a police officer.

His turn as tough guy Bradley Cage in Zack Snyder's 2021 heist comedy Army of Thieves no doubt piqued the interest of Bond bigwigs.

The casting news is the latest twist in the ongoing saga for the hunt of the next Bond, four years after Craig's exit.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Barbara Broccoli in March 2022.

But sources recently told DailyMail.com that Hollywood bigwigs are now questioning if he has the 'credentials' to play the titular spy after they were left shaken by the dismal response to his new film Kraven the Hunter.

Other names reportedly in the mix include Callum Turner, James Norton and Paul Mescal.