EastEnders and Strictly fans shocked by Kara Tointon’s real age as she celebrates milestone birthday

EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton surprised her followers when she wished a happy 40th birthday to former co-star Kara Tointon.

Fans of the BBC soap couldn’t believe Kara‘s milestone age as Louisa shared the post to Instagram yesterday.

The Ruby Allen actress, 34, shared a recent snap along with a throwback from their time on the iconic show.

She wrote, “Happy 40th Birthday @kara_tointon. 18 years of friendship, so many to go. Love you, swipe for the good old days.”

One follower was astounded at the big news, commenting, “Happy birthday I can’t believe your 40 you look unreal I thought you was younger so gorgeous.”

Another added, “Happy birthday I can’t believe your 40 you look unreal I thought you was younger so gorgeous.”

While a third agreed, “Omg! Time has gone so quickly. Happy birthday.”

Kara, who won Strictly in 2010 with her pro partner Artem Chigventsev, played Dawn Swann on EastEnders between 2005 and 2009.

She ended up dating her dance partner after meeting on the show and they remained together until 2014.

She went on to date Marius Jensen who she had two children with.

The couple quietly split last year, with a source telling The Sun at the time: “Kara and Marius quietly separated around ten months ago.

“There was no wrong-doing on either side, and they both still care about each other.

“But they came to the decision that there was no future for them as a couple.

“They remain friends, and are both very committed to co-parenting their two children.”