Darren Day appeared a world away from his 1990s heartthrob image as he stepped out in Essex on Thursday to browse a second-hand jewellery shop. The actor and singer, 57, known for leading roles in West End musical theatre, showcased a markedly different style during his shopping trip, carrying a miniature cactus.
A New Look for the Stage Veteran
Darren sported a black leather jacket over a plain white T-shirt, paired with matching skinny ripped jeans. The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant completed his outfit with lace-up black boots and several long gold necklaces. His greying hair was swept to one side, and he wore long facial hair for the low-key outing. He was seen carrying a large tote bag along with the miniature cactus, and later picked up an energy drink.
Recent Health Scare
Last month, Darren was rushed to A&E with a suspected broken arm just hours before his scheduled performance in a touring production of Mother Goose. He shared on Instagram at the time, 'Currently sitting in A&E with suspected broken bones in my wrist and elbow. Just over an hour 'til I'm onstage!' He plays the villainous Demon Vanity in the Easter production, alongside former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan as Princess Jill and Basil Brush as King Basil. The accident occurred while he was preparing for the second of two shows at Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury.
Family News
Shortly before the hospital visit, Darren and his ex-partner Suzanne Shaw announced they had become grandparents. Suzanne, former Hear'Say singer, revealed on Instagram that their son Corey's girlfriend had given birth to baby Colton. Despite their turbulent split in 2005, the former couple have reconciled, posing together with the newborn. Darren joked about their age gap, writing, 'Grandad loves you so much…and is actually old enough to be a Grandparent, unlike Nanny! @suzi_shaw'. Shaw added, 'Something beautiful, something true, My baby boy Corey, became a father To a precious son, wrapped softly in blue.'
Darren's relationship with Shaw began in 2003 during a touring production of Summer Holiday, while both were engaged to others. His reputation suffered after he left Shaw and their seven-week-old son Corey on Mother's Day 2005. Now, as grandparents, they appear to have moved past their differences.
