🔍 From Perfume Pitch to Walford Swagger
Elijah Holloway, now known for playing Harry Mitchell on EastEnders, first auditioned on the BBC music-competition Let It Shine in 2017, eight years before debuting on the soap en.wikipedia.org+11corrienews.info+11thesun.co.uk+11. Back then, the 18-year-old Holloway—then working as a luxury perfume salesman—appeared dramatically different in both appearance and style.
🎤 Let It Shine Audition
During his audition, Elijah charmed the judges by selling fragrances to celebrity panelists including Gary Barlow, Dannii Minogue, Martin Kemp (who once starred on EastEnders), and Amber Riley corrienews.info+5starsalert.com+5thesun.co.uk+5express.co.uk+5albertsquare.net+5thesun.co.uk+5. Later in the competition, he delivered a high‑energy performance of Greased Lightning inspired by his John Travolta homage. Though his charisma stood out, he ultimately did not make the final boyband cast thesun.co.uk+2corrienews.info+2soapoperadaily.com+2.
🌀 A Look Quite Different
Back in 2017, Holloway sported a youthful, boyish look that didn’t resemble the confident, swaggering Harry Mitchell we see today. Fans have commented that he looked “worlds away” from the polished character now at the heart of EastEnders drama thesun.co.uk.
🎭 How He’s Changed
Fast forward to 2025, and Holloway is 26, transformed into a sharp, stylish young man carrying the Mitchell legacy. His portrayal of Harry brings charm, tension, and unpredictability—very different from the auditioning teenager he once was.
🧠 Why This Matters
This glimpse into Holloway’s early attempt at stardom adds a compelling dimension to his current role:
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Shows his long-time ambition and journey from talent show hopeful to soap star.
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Illustrates how actors often evolve significantly before hitting their breakthrough.
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Provides fans with a surprising connection—judge Martin Kemp, who appeared on EastEnders, was on the panel that inspired, critiqued, and judged Holloway’s early performance.
📌 Summary Table
| Then (2017) | Now (2025) |
|---|---|
| 18‑year‑old perfume salesman | 26‑year‑old EastEnders star |
| Talent‑show hopeful auditioning for boyband | Regular as Harry Mitchell on Walford |
| Charming, fresh-faced, inexperienced | Confident, swaggering, soap character |
✅ Final Thought
It’s wild to think that the actor now embroiled in Mitchell family drama once stood before the same judges he might shockingly reference in storyline. Elijah Holloway’s dramatic transformation—from fragrant pitches and musical routines to being one of EastEnders’ rising stars—proves that in the world of soap talent, the journey is often just as riveting as the arrival.
