Louis Batley who is best known for playing the role of Sarah Barnes in Hollyoaks looks almost unidentifiable following her character tragic sky-diving death back in 2009

Former Hollyoaks star Loui Batley, who starred as Sarah Barnes in the Channel 4 soap is barely recognisable 14 years after her dramatic onscreen demise.

The actress who starred in the show from 2005 to 2009 was written out in a shocking skydiving accident, marking one of the most memorable exits in the soap’s history. At the time, fans were left devasted with Sarah’s unexpected death.

But in recent snaps, the star has said farewell to her famous brunette tresses for a brand new look. Showcasing her blonde shorter hairdo in photos online, Loui looked incredible.

The character Sarah was first introduced on the soap over a decade ago, and she was involved in a number of gripping storylines. Some of them include finding out her fiancé Craig Dean was having an affair with his best mate John Paul McQueen.

However, the ever-twisting and turning of Loui’s on-screen alter-ego were also an aspect that kept viewers glued to their screens. During her time on the soap, Sarah embarked on lesbian relationships with Zoe and Lydia.

Reflecting on her character’s tragic end, Loui told Digital Spy at the time: “I’ve been there for quite a while and it was a great ending for the character – I couldn’t have asked for a better way to go.”

Post-Hollyoaks, the Lancashire-born star appeared in TV short Following Footsteps in 2010 and Doctors in 2015.

She then embarked on a new venture, forming one-half of double-act Verity & Violet, offering Christmas and themed experiences including the Great Gatsby, forties, classic and pop.

Their website describes their act as “A combination of all that we do – generally starting slower & building to our more up-tempo tracks.

“A vintage-inspired mix of old school classics, jazzy numbers, post-modern & more contemporary music.”

In addition to this, Loui has also made waves in the theatre world too, with roles in Tower Block in 2018 and performances in pantomime productions having starred in The Nutcracker and Six Feet Under.

Away from the limelight, the 37-year-old is now a mother of two to her son and her daughter that she often posts on social media.

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays at 6:30pm on Channel 4.