Happy to still have the Abbey habit.
Being bumped off in Downton Abbey wouldn’t worry Rob James Collier who plays baddie under-butler Thomas he expected it to happen years ago.
“Thomas was supposed to get killed off or sacked at the end of the first series,” says former Corrie star Rob.
“But as we filmed the first episode the producers said they hadn’t seen him that way but they loved what I was doing and would I stay on? So I just take every series as a bonus as, technically, I shouldn’t be here.
“When I left Corrie it was my decision and everybody wondered if I’d made the right one. There is no right or wrong decision. I left Corrie and then I danced with Maggie Smith in Downton’s Christmas special!
“If they got rid of me in this I’m sure something else would happen, although maybe not on the same scale.”
Rob’s quick to insist he’s still thrilled to be a part of the show and is in no hurry to move on.
It’s easy to see why as the complexities of Thomas are right to the fore in the first episode as he’s by turn menacing and then the hero of the hour.
His troubles over his sexuality are also explored this series.
“Imagine waking up one day and realising you’re going to be living a lie for the rest of your life,” adds Rob. “I think it’s extremely sad and I hope people will empathise. It’s quite a harrowing storyline.”
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