Today’s TV and film stars didn’t get to where they are by accident, and it won’t come as a surprise to learn that many of them appeared in a whole host of shows before landing that all-important big break.
But while basically everyone who’s anyone once landed a role in ‘The Bill’ or ‘Casualty’, one genre was harder to crack: British sitcoms.
Over the years, a number of now iconic comedy shows have had us in stitches, but did you spot the stars of today, when they popped up in the likes of ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ and ‘Are You Being Served?’ many moons ago?
Check out the sitcom appearances you probably have missed below...
Before They Were Famous: The Sitcom Appearances You Didn't Spot
Idris Elba in 'Ab Fab' (1995)(01 of08)
Open Image ModalPlaying male escort Hilton in one episode of 'Ab Fab' was one of Idris's first ever roles. (credit:BBC)
Tom Hollander in 'Absolutely Fabulous' (1996)(02 of08)
Open Image ModalTom's character nearly became a member of the Monsoon family, but sadly, ditched Saffy to run off with one of her bridesmaids just before their wedding was due to take place. (credit:BBC)
Peter Capaldi in 'The Vicar Of Dibley' (1994)(03 of08)
Open Image ModalLong before calling the Tardis home, Peter made a brief stop-off in Dibley, where vicar Geraldine soon fell in love with him. (credit:BBC)
Jonny Lee Miller in 'Keeping Up Appearances' (1990)(04 of08)
Open Image ModalNow, we know we shouldn't be biased, but this is definitely one of our favourite spots.
Long before taking on the role of Sickboy in 'Trainspotting', the actor made an appearance in the now iconic sitcom. (credit:BBC)
Jake Wood in 'Only Fools And Horses' (1989)(05 of08)
Open Image ModalThe 'Jolly Boys' Outing' episode of 'Only Fools...' is an absolute classic, but did you spot Jake Wood (aka EastEnders' Max Branning) starring as Rodney's office trainee? (credit:BBC)
Ashley Jensen in 'The Office' (2003)(06 of08)
Open Image ModalAfter appearing in 'Extras' alongside Ricky Gervais, Ashley's career took her Stateside for 'Ugly Betty'.
Before that though, she popped up and made an uncredited(!) appearance in The Office's 2003 Christmas special. (credit:BBC/HBO)
Joanna Lumley in 'Are You Being Served?' (1973)(07 of08)
Open Image ModalThe 'Ab Fab' star played two different characters, in two separate episodes of the show, which was written by her then husband Jeremy Lloyd. (credit:BBC)
Dominic Brunt in '2point4 Children' (1995)(08 of08)
Open Image ModalDominic's instantly recognisable to many TV fans nowadays, thanks to the fact he plays Emmerdale's Paddy Kirk.
However, before soapland came knocking, he popped up in one episode of this show, playing an unnamed petrol station assistant. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)