Channel 4 star shocks fans with transformation who say ‘you look so different’

Derry Girls actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson has surprised fans with her striking look as she takes on a new role.

The 30-year-old TV star has shared an insight into her character in the Netflix series, The Decameron, on Instagram and people have quickly noticed it’s far removed from the ambitious and spunky Erin Quinn on the Channel 4 comedy, or her real-life look.

Saoirse-Monica has swapped her trademark bouncy blonde blowout for a blunt brunette bob and full fringe that finishes halfway down her forehead.

In the chosen snap, her expression gives an inclination as to what viewers can expect from her character.

If we were to sum it up her face, it looks like she’s just been hit with the biggest case of Sunday scaries instigated by the sound of the Antiques Roadshow theme tune. Or perhaps how you might have felt as a teenager when it’s 10pm and you’ve got to tell your mum that you’ve got food technology tomorrow, where you require ingredients to make bread and butter pudding. You’re now nervously awaiting the: ‘You really should have told me days ago!’

To play servant Misia, Saoirse-Monica was dressed in period clothing – a frilly purple dress that looked as if it had seen better days.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zre7XJ_PC

Alongside the picture, she informed her 467k followers that they are able to watch her in The Decameron from July 25 (today!).

Reacting to the transformation, fans took to the comment section.

Edith Skykez said she was ‘serving that berries and cream slay’ which was liked over 700 times. The follower was comparing Saoirse-Monica to a 2007 commercial, which featured actor and writer Jack Ferver sporting a similar barnet.

The comparisons didn’t end there – account MannsMeetsWorld pointed out a likeness to Shrek baddie Lord Farquaad.

‘I can’t explain it but it’s giving those two Irish twins on XFactor who were graveside singers,’ added Mrs Shane Reaction.

If you’re chronically on the internet (or have great memory) then you’ll know he’s referring to twins Julie and Michelle who auditioned on the 2007 series of X Factor and told judges they do everything together, including singing at funerals.

Billy Boweness kept his remark more simple: ‘Ooooh, this looks intriguing! 🧐 You look soooo different.’

The dark comedy that led to her bold look is loosely inspired by the iconic short story collection of the same name by Giovanni Boccaccio.

Set in the 14th century, the eight episodes take place in the grand Villa Santa, positioned just outside Florence. As the bubonic plague pandemic rages outside, the nobles and their servants try to make time pass by quicker, by telling stories but then as the days of ‘lockdown’ continue, social rules wear thin, and an orgy of riches and liquor collapses into a struggle for survival.

Jessica Plummer, who plays noble Filomena and looks pretty unrecognisable herself, compared the antics and silliness of the comedy series to a reality show. ‘A lot of drama, a lot of sex, a lot of, yeah, craziness,’ she stated.

She added it was like ‘Love Island, but back in the day’. Hopefully, this doesn’t mean Joey Essex showing up in the future.

Tony Hale from Veep and Being the Ricardos, and Girls’ Zosia Mamet also feature in the cast.

Speaking about the parts she’s been able to play so far, Saoirse-Monica told Cosmopolitan: ‘My career remains chequered and I’ve grown to love that. I’m able to see the privilege of being able to show such stretch.

‘I’m able to do work like Erin, and it’s work that I think is courageous, more ambitious, and cool.’

Her latest acting challenge has been a joy for Saoirse-Monica to take on.

‘Misia really feels like art,’ she explained.

‘She’s living on her nerves. She’s troubled. Her responses are sometimes really heroic. It’s a privilege as an actor to ride two saddles.’