'He's not gonna have his soulful fat voice anymore': Fans' fears for 'skinny' Sam Smith as he displays dramatic 3st weight-loss in new photo

He's been steadily slimming down over the past year after overhauling his diet.

However, fans of Sam Smith fear the singer may have lost too much weight after he posted a photo of himself looking slim on his Instagram account.

Currently in California, the 23-year-old posted a photo of himself in a striped T-shirt on the balcony of an apartment block.

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'Unrecognisable': Sam Smith's photo on Instagram this week provoked a strong reaction from fans on social media, with many claiming he's too thin

'Unrecognisable': Sam Smith's photo on Instagram this week provoked a strong reaction from fans on social media, with many claiming he's too thin

With Sam showing more facial hair than usual, a host of fans claimed he was 'unrecognisable' compared to his formerly portly frame when he was first on the scene in 2014. 

The Oscar-nominated star's Instagram image was full of comments on his weightloss, with a mix of worries or praise by his followers.

One fan wrote: 'This doesn't even look like him!'

Another asked: 'Why did Sam Smith get so skinny? The hell happened (sic).'

Spot the difference: Sam at a Saint Lauren event in LA on Wednesday
Looking heavier at the MOBO Awards in October 2014

Spot the difference: Sam at a Saint Lauren event in LA on Wednesday (left) and looking heavier at the MOBO Awards in October 2014

Reaction: Fans took to Twitter and Instagram to express their shock over Sam's slim appearance

Reaction: Fans took to Twitter and Instagram to express their shock over Sam's slim appearance

Some fans even expressed unsubstantiated fears that he would lose his singing voice now his waistline was slimmer.

A devotee tweeted: 'Now that Sam Smith skinny he's not gonna have his soulful fat voice anymore.'

However, some thought he looked better following his 3st weight loss, writing: 'Don't get all the fuss, poor fella is looking slimmer yes but he's not exactly on his death bed is he? 

'As long as Sam is happy and healthy with himself that's what counts.xxx Don't let it all get to you Sam xxx.'

Trim: Sam has lost 3 stone over the past year after overhauling his diet

Trim: Sam has lost 3 stone over the past year after overhauling his diet

Sam has been losing weight after reading nutritionist Amelia Freer’s book Eat, Nourish, Grow.

Despite cutting back on carbs and eliminating dairy from his diet, Sam admitted he’s still got a real penchant for junk food.

Speaking to Magic Radio last summer, Sam revealed: 'Food is the big thing for me. I’m moving around all the time, but I just love food. I still love it. It’s going to be a battle for the rest of my life.

'I mean it’s not like this horrible diet that kills me. When I want to eat something bad I do it, but I’ve just got to stay on top of it, which is tough. I just love fried chicken and cheese!' 

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