Newcastle United fans think Andy Carroll has been taking style inspiration from a very unlikely source for his new look - Geoff from Byker Grove.
The Gateshead -born striker was back in action at St James' Park on Sunday as the Magpies romped to a convincing 3-0 victory over Sheffield United.
And while he didn't get on the score sheet, his facial hair got everyone talking. Andy stepped out with a beard that definitely bore more than a passing resemblance to the one regularly seen on CBBC in the 90s as Geoff Keegan, played by actor Billy Fane, ruled the roost at the Grove, over-seeing the likes of Ant and Dec, Jill Halfpenny and Donna Air, who all appeared on the hit show.
And Geordies were quick to point out the likeness. Showing off some impressive Byker Grove knowledge, one fan tweeted: "Andy Carroll gone full Geoff from Byker Grove wiv those ‘burns. Next he’ll be tellin PJ & Duncan to stop being horrible to Spuggie about her hair!. Ffs."
Another reacted: "Andy Carroll loves Newcastle so much that he spent lockdown making himself look like Geoff from Byker Grove."
Twitter was flooded with reactions as fans took notice of Andy's striking facial hair, with another user remarking: "Nice to see Andy Carroll taking inspiration from Geoff from Byker Grove. Good North East cultural heritage links."
Billy Fane recently caused a Twitter storm of his own accord when the BBC repeated Billy Elliot, with many fans unaware that he played ballet class pianist Mr Braithwaite.
Upon recognising him from Byker Grove, one stunned viewer tweeted: "Never knew Geoff from Byker Grove was in Billy Elliot," and another reacted: "Get out. No way he had any other roles except Geoff."
