Emmerdale's James Hooton looks worlds away from his character Sam Dingle

He's played caretaker Sam Dingle in ITV soap series Emmerdale for over two decades.

And James Hooton set pulses racing as he showcased his impressive body transformation in a shirtless snap, posted to Twitter on Wednesday.

The soap star, 45, looked every inch the hunk as he flexed his bulging biceps and toned six-pack after a session at his local climbing wall.

The Carlton native sent his fellow soap stars wild as former co-star Adam Thomas commented: 'Beast !!!!!'

In agreement, Emmerdale's Jamie Shelton was seemingly in awe of James' incredibly ripped figure as he penned: 'Shredded mate. Looking good!'

Corrie actress Katherine Dow Blyton echoed: 'Jeez!!!!!!', while Hollyoaks' Anthony Quinlan said: 'Yes mate! Looking good.'

Gemma Oaten, who was involved in a domestic violence storyline with James in 2015, appeared more than impressed with his figure as she wrote: 'Bloody hell Jimbo! Looking ace! Still climbing the village hall I see? miss you duck! Xxx'

Overwhelmed with delight over the positive comments, James credited his ripped figure to 'good lighting'.

'Mate, is an overly flattering pic tbf. And it was after a mega sesh at the climbing wall. Good lighting, good angle. Not complaining (sic)'.

MailOnline