Nativity’s rarely seen child star unrecognisable 14 years after classic Christmas movie – leaving Amanda Holden shocked
AMANDA Holden was left stunned as a festive movie star looked completely unrecognisable 14 years after finding fame.
Widely regarded as one of the most popular Christmas films of all time, Nativity! hit screens back in 2009.
Actor Ben Wilby played adorable Bob in the movie.
He is most memorable from the iconic scene where he started break dancing in a bid to get to Hollywood – and the various bits of facial hair that were drawn on his face.
And the Staffordshire-born star, who is now 21, has now stunned Amanda and her Heart Radio colleagues with his latest cameo.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge was tasked with overseeing auditions for Heart’s Big Christmas Show.
While famous faces including her co-star Ashley Roberts, as well as Tom Fletcher and Leona Lewis, were clear to spot – Ben’s appearance came out of the blue.
Amanda was dressed in all white and donned a Christmas hat as she got set to press her red buzzer on one act.
After Tom performed a switched up rendition of McFly track, All About You, Leona followed up with a monologue of her festive tune.
The Grinch then made an unexpected appearance before Ben, donning a white top and jeans, burst in.
He stood on the stage and announced: “Hey Amanda, I’m here to audition for your Christmas show.
“Don’t worry, I’ve done it before.”
Baffled, the TV favourite quizzed: “Where do I know you from?” before he performed his dance routine.
She squealed: “Wait, OMG,” as he said: “It’s me, Bob from Nativity!”
He then burst into song, chanting the lyrics: “She’s the brightest star I’ve ever seen, brightest star.”
He then begged to go to Hollywood, to which Amanda said: “Hollywood is going to love you.”
He cheered: “Get in there baby, get in,” before scooting away.
Back in 2009, Nativity! viewers soon fell in love with the story of a loveable primary school teacher – Mr Madden – who tries to put on the best nativity play with his class after claiming that Hollywood are coming to visit.
The movie centres around the pupils of St Bernadette’s Primary School, who were practically infants when the film first hit screens.
Ben and the rest of the child actors have since gone on to bigger and better things, with some impressing us on Britain’s Got Talent, while others have claimed TikTok fame.
Since Nativity, Ben has gone on to star in Father Brown, Cartoonito Tales and Cuckoo.
Please credit: Follow Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on Global Player
