Amanda Holden is left reeling in shock over former child star's appearance - 15 years after he defied the odds to beat severe health condition and star in festive smash Nativity!
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Amanda Holden was left completely stunned by Nativity! child star who looks completely unrecognisable 14 years after starring in the hit Christmas film. Nativity! hit screens back in 2009 starring Martin Freeman as Paul Maddens, Jason Watkins as Gordon Shakespeare and Marc Wootton portrayed Desmond Poppy.
![[One of the most memorable character's Bob in the film was played by Ben Wilby, who looks worlds away from his younger self]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/15/93278199-14206235-One_of_the_most_memorable_character_s_Bob_in_the_film_was_played-a-181_1734535611147.jpg)
While some of the adult stars have remained in the spotlight in the 15 years that have passed, other cast members have carried on with their life out of the spotlight. And one of the most memorable character's Bob in the film was played by Ben Wilby, who defied the odds to beat a severe health condition to star in the film.
![[Ben, donned a white top and jeans took to the stage and announced: 'Hey Amanda, I'm here to audition for your Christmas show. Don't worry, I've done it before']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/21/93278233-14206235-Ben_donned_a_white_top_and_jeans_took_to_the_stage_and_announced-m-36_1734556611645.jpg)
The Staffordshire-born star, who is now 22, stunned Heart radio presenter Amanda during a cameo on her breakfast show last year. The Britain's Got Talent judge was tasked with overseeing auditions for Heart's Big Christmas Show with famous faces including co-star Ashley Roberts, as well as Tom Fletcher and Leona Lewis, performing and Ben made a surprise appearance.
![[Baffled, Amanda questioned: '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!']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/15/93278239-14206235-Baffled_Amanda_questioned_Where_do_I_know_you_from_before_he_per-a-177_1734535599171.jpg)
Amanda Holden was left completely stunned by Nativity! child star who looks completely unrecognisable 14 years after starring in the hit Christmas film. One of the most memorable character's Bob in the film was played by Ben Wilby, who looks worlds away from his younger self.
![[However, Ben has had to overcome a lot in his life - with doctors warning he may never walk or talk after a nine-hour operation as a child]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/15/93278673-14206235-He_then_burst_into_song_chanting_the_lyrics_She_s_the_brightest_-a-176_1734535595672.jpg)
Ben, donned a white top and jeans took to the stage and announced: 'Hey Amanda, I'm here to audition for your Christmas show. Don't worry, I've done it before'. Ben is most memorable from the iconic scene where he started break dancing in a bid to get to Hollywood and he proved he's still got it.
![[The 2009 film also starred Martin Freeman as Paul Maddens (R) and Marc Wootton portrayed Desmond Poppy (R)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/18/21/93278613-14206235-The_2009_film_also_starred_Martin_Freeman_as_Paul_Maddens_R_and_-a-32_1734556517439.jpg)
