Grey’s Anatomy fans struggle to recognise key star as actors reunite for new selfie

Grey's Anatomy fans couldn't believe their eyes when two stars shared a throwback snap - and one was totally unrecognisable.

The longstanding medical drama has been on our screens since 2005, and the show is gearing up to launch season 21.

The cast has featured many famous faces throughout the years, including Killing Eve's Sandra Oh and Euphoria's Eric Dane.

It also launched the career of Katherine Heigl, a multi-award winning actress.

The series, which is set in the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, was developed and largely written by Shonda Rhimes until 2015 - the same mind behind our beloved Bridgerton.

As is the case with many shows that span a large amount of series', we often lose some of the faces we love the most.

Just recently, fans have been rehashing their loss of beloved paediatric surgeon Dr Alex Karev (Justin Chambers), who survived as a cast member for 16 seasons before leaving in a shock twist.

Now he's shared a throwback snap with one of his old Grey's Anatomy castmates - and fans are saying she's unrecognisable and has 'aged like fine wine'.

Do you recognise her from the show in the picture below?

Fans loved the reunion. (Instagram/@officialjustinchambers)

Fans certainly didn't, with one writing: "Shut the- what?! I didn't recognise her but damn you guys are aging like a fine wine."

Another said: "HELL NAHHH!!!! Almost didn't recognise her."

While a third chimed: "Never in a million years would I have guessed that was Lexie."

That's right, it's Chyler Leigh, who first appeared as Meredith Grey's half-sister Lexie on Grey's Anatomy in series 3, before leaving as a series regular in season 8.

She did go on to make appearances as a special guest star in season 17 - to the delight of fans.

Captioning the snap, Chambers wrote: "Being with LEXIE is HEAVENLY @chy_leigh".

Leigh commented underneath the photo: "Hey, it’s us!!"

While many fans were shook at how Chyler looked, others were reeling at Justin's savage choice of caption.

Justin Chambers and Chyler Leigh on Grey's Anatomy. (ABC)

In case you're yet to experience Grey's Anatomy - spoiler - the 'heavenly' line is likely a reference to the fact that Lexie died as a result of a plane crash.

There was absolutely no need for that uncalled reminder that she's gone forever.

One person wrote: "The absolute TRAUMA I had when Lexie died...I will never get over. I've been watching this show since I was a freshman in high school."

Opening up to Deadline after his shock exit from Grey's Anatomy in 2020, Chambers said: "There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years.

"For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices."

He continued: "And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time."

Fair enough.