Hollyoaks actor Ellis Hollins has admitted that his self-esteem has taken a significant rise since he decided to get into shape.

The 20-year-old is one of the soap's longest-serving stars, having played the part of Tom since the age of four.

Earlier this year Hollins shocked fans by revealing a new ripped physique, and talking to the Daily Star, he opened up on the reasons behind his body transformation.

"I was unhappy where I was physically," he told the newspaper. "I was always the unfit, asthmatic kid at school and I couldn't do sport to save my life.

"I got fed up with that and I got the chance to start going to the gym regularly, and I've been going for two years now.

"It's really starting to pay off and I feel a lot better about myself.

"I'm flattered by everyone's kind compliments and words about my body and the journey I've made.

"I've shared that with people who wanted to see that and I'm grateful for the reaction I've got.

"A big part of me is work and then gym. I was lost when I couldn't go to work or gym during lockdown but I'm in a good place now."

On screen, Tom has just got engaged to girlfriend Yazz (Haiesha Mistry) after she proposed during the soap's 25th anniversary episode.