Robert James-Collier (born 23 September 1976 ), sometimes billed as Rob James-Collier, is a British actor widely known for his roles as Liam Connor in Coronation Street, Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey, and Martin Evershed in Ackley Bridge.

Early life

James-Collier was born in Salford, Greater Manchester, as Robert James Collier. When he became an actor, he hyphenated his middle name and surname to form a new surname, to comply with the rules of Equity and avoid confusion with another actor named Robert Collier. James-Collier was educated at St Patrick's Roman Catholic High School in Eccles, Greater Manchester. He studied business at the University of Huddersfield for his bachelor's degree, and later obtained a master's degree in marketing at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

Career

Acting

With no acting experience, James-Collier auditioned for the series Down to Earth. Stars Ricky Tomlinson and Denise Welch were convinced by his talent, and he got the part of the womanising pub landlord. In 2006, he appeared in New Street Law and played a small part as 'Stud' in Shameless series 3, episode 5 under the name of Rob Collier. In 2006, he joined Coronation Street as Liam Connor, joint owner of the Underworld factory. He left the show in October 2008. In an interview in early 2008, he announced he would leave the soap but planned to return. However, in June 2008, it was reported that the character of Liam was set to be 'brutally' killed off as part of a murder-mystery plotline where three well-known residents fell under suspicion for the crime. After leaving Coronation Street, James-Collier achieved international recognition as the scheming, lonely gay footman (and later under-butler) Thomas Barrow in the historical drama series Downton Abbey (2010–2015), subsequently appearing in the franchise's two feature films, Downton Abbey (2019) and Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). He played Kevin O'Dowd in ITV's 2016 crime drama, The Level. In 2017, he starred in British horror film, The Ritual; The Guardian described his performance as "a fierce screen presence." He had a principal role in the "Cold River" episode of Vera, aired in 2018. In 2019, it was announced that he was cast in the third series of Channel 4 school-drama Ackley Bridge as Martin Evershed. In September 2023, James-Collier starred in the Channel 5 drama series The Inheritance, appearing alongside Samantha Bond, Jemima Rooper, Gaynor Faye and Adil Ray.

Modelling

James-Collier modelled for British catalogue retailer Argos, appearing in the Autumn/Winter 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008 catalogues.

Filmography

Awards

For his role as Liam Connor on Coronation Street, James-Collier won "Best Newcomer" and "Sexiest Male" at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards. James-Collier won the Sexiest Male award at the 2007 and 2008 British Soap Awards in addition to "Best Exit" at the 2009 British Soap Awards.