It might be Norwich's most famous beard, but former striker Iwan Roberts has announced that his fabulous facial hair is coming off this week.

Eastern Daily Press: Royal Norfolk Show 2011 at the Norfolk Showground.Former Norwich City FC players Iwan Roberts and Paul McVeighPicture: James BassRoyal Norfolk Show 2011 at the Norfolk Showground.Former Norwich City FC players Iwan Roberts and Paul McVeighPicture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2011)

The 46-year-old stunned viewers back in January after appearing on BBC Wales with a bushy ginger beard on live TV.

It was in stark contrast to how many Canaries fans would have remembered the ex-Norwich City star, who usually favoured the clean-shaven look during his seven years at the club.

And despite his new facial hair growing a cult-like following of its own over social media since the start of this year, Roberts has decided to go under the razor this Thursday.

He had little to say on the matter after BBC Wales announced that it would be coming off, but tweeted 'sad times' to his 29,500 followers.

It is understood Roberts will remove his beard ahead of Wales's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Belgium on Friday.

The former Welsh international footballer played for Norwich City from 1997 to 2004.

During that time he made 306 appearances for the Canaries and scored 97 goals in competitions.

A fans' favourite, he was a recognisable face on the pitch due to his lack of front teeth, which were knocked out when he was 18.

The 46-year-old started his football career with Watford in 1985, where he signed his first professional contract shortly after turning 18.

After scoring nine goals in 63 games for the Hornets, Roberts moved to Huddersfield Town in the 1990/91 season. Over the next four years he made 182 appearances for the club, scoring 68 goals.

Roberts continued to progress, and in 1993 he joined Leicester City, scoring 44 goals in 111 appearances, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers for the 1996/97 season, where he scored 12 in 38 appearances.

But it was during his time at Norwich City that Roberts really made a name for himself.

In 2002 he was made an inaugural member of the Norwich City Hall of Fame and finished his football career with a stint as a player/coach at Gillingham until 2005.

Roberts, who also made 15 appearances for Wales from 1989 to 2002, has worked as a commentator for Sky Sports, Radio Cymru and BBC Wales since retiring as a player.