Pop Idol winner, Michelle McManus, looks a world away from her usual self in a striking throwback snap in which she sports a spiral perm and grungy mini dress
09:43, 04 Feb 2026Updated 09:44, 04 Feb 2026
Michelle McManus looks unrecognisable in an unearthed throwback snap(Image: INSTAGRAM)
A huge pop star had fans in hysterics as she ‘dared to share’ an incredible throwback photo. Michelle McManus, the former Pop Idol winner, 45, is most recognised through her signature bright red locks. However, in a hilarious photo from the nineties, Michelle looks completely different, showing off her chocolate spiral perm and a slick of gothic crimson lipstick.
The singer, who released her first album in 2004, was discussing her daring fashion choices on BBC Radio Scotland while urging others to share their ’embarrassing’ snaps. Posting a photo of herself from the nineties, Michelle looks worlds away from her usual self with dark curly hair as she poses, wearing a black velvet mini dress and tights in a snap one fan branded: “Mindblowing!”
Pop Idol winner, Michelle McManus, looks a world away from her usual self in this striking throwback snap(Image: ladym_mcmanus/Instagram)
Fans are used to her rocking red hair(Image: Instagram)
In the update to Instagram, she wrote: “We’re talking bold fashion choices from over the years today on BBC Radio Scotland. I’ve gone for my 90’s perm (also the last time I saw my natural hair colour) What’s yours? Dare to share?”
In 2024, Michelle showed off another dramatic transformation when she revealed the results of her nine stone weight loss.
The singer looked gorgeous at a friend’s wedding after making a commitment to eating more healthily.
In 2005, Michelle appeared on Channel 4 dieting programme You Are What You Eat and not long after brought out a book and DVD about weight loss.
The Feeling Good star told celebrity dietician Gillian McKeith that some nights she would have burgers, chips and eight whiskey and cokes – in one night.
However, after Gillian set out a new regime, which made Michelle quit booze altogether for five months, the singer gradually managed to shift an impressive nine stone after previously weighing 23 stone when she was on Pop Idol.
Eight years ago, Michelle decided to give up alcohol for good after falling pregnant with her first child. She said she relied on booze as a way to cope with low self-confidence, but said by her mid-30s she became worried about her safety after she would ‘black out’ after a night out.
Michelle started another transformation when she pledged to lose weight(Image: Press Association)
She won Pop Idol in 2003(Image: Ken McKay/REX/Shutterstock)
Speaking on the Why Aren’t You Drinking podcast, the Glasgow-born star said: “I stopped drinking in 2019 on the day I got my positive pregnancy test and it was a blessing for so many reasons.
“Falling pregnant helped me make the massive decision to give up alcohol which I had been too scared to make. I didn’t really know who I was without alcohol, not because I felt really that I was dependent on it, but it had been such a huge part of my life and my persona.
“It was a form of escapism when I maybe wasn’t reading such nice things about me or I didn’t feel as confident as I do now. Alcohol was a way for me to go ‘Goodbye world‘.”
In recent years, Michelle explained being healthy is a priority over size. She previously told The Sunday Post: “It’s only in the last couple of months I’ve started to lose weight again. I’ve always struggled with my weight I think I always will. It doesn’t really bother me. It’s never stopped me doing anything. I’m comfortable with it. But Pop Idol and people’s reaction to my size made me realise I was massively overweight and just how critical people can be.”
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