Robert James-Collier is a British actor best known for his roles as the cunning and complex Thomas Barrow in Downton Abbey (2010–2015), Liam Connor in Coronation Street (2006–2008), and Martin Evershed in Ackley Bridge (2019–2022). His portrayal of Thomas Barrow, a closeted gay footman-turned-butler navigating rigid Edwardian class structures and societal taboos, earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and gradual character development across the series and the two Downton Abbey films.
Originally from Salford, Greater Manchester, he holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in marketing. He only turned to acting after completing his studies, adopting the hyphenated surname “James-Collier” to comply with Equity naming regulations.
