Robert James-Collier


Robert James-Collier, 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, to parents James and Anne Collier 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

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. He soon modelled for British catalogue retailer Argos, appearing in the Autumn/Winter 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008 catalogues.
James-Collier achieved international recognition as the scheming, lonely gay footman Thomas Barrow in the historical drama series Downton Abbey, subsequently appearing in the franchise's three feature films, Downton Abbey, Downton Abbey: A New Era and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
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.
In 2025, James-Collier starred as DC Ben Cooper in the series Cooper & Fry; the series, also starring Mandip Gill, aired on Channel 5 in November 2025.

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.

Personal life

James-Collier is married to Lauren Chandiram, who ran a fashion boutique before James-Collier's rise to fame. They made their relationship public on the red carpet in 2007. They have one son.

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2005Perfect DayAlexTelevision film
2005Down to EarthNicky Christy10 episodes
2006ShamelessStud/JimEpisode #3.5
2006CasualtyMartin StonewallEpisode: "Secrets and Lies"
2006Dalziel and PascoeSimon ThewlisEpisode 1: "The Cave Woman"
Credited as "Rob Collier"
2006–2008Coronation StreetLiam Connor330 episodes;
Won – Best Exit – British Soap Awards
Won – Sexiest Male – Inside Soap Awards
Won – Sexiest Male – Inside Soap Awards
2010–2015Downton AbbeyThomas Barrow52 episodes;
Won – Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance
by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
2011'Moving On'CliveEpisode: "The Milkman"
2012Love LifeJoeMain role
2013'Moving On'Aiden EvansEpisode: "Visiting Order"
2016'The Level'Kevin O'Dowd6 episodes
2018Urban MythsColonel Archie ChristieEpisode: "Agatha Christie"
2019VeraRichardEpisode: "Cold River"
2019Death in ParadiseOliver CarrEpisode: "Murder on the Honore Express"
2019–2022Ackley BridgeMartin EvershedMain role
2021–2022Fate: The Winx SagaSaul Silva14 episodes
2023The InheritanceDaniel4 episodes; Channel 5 drama series
2023The Long ShadowDCS Jack RidgewayEpisodes 4 and 5
2024Generation ZMichael6 episodes
2025Cooper and FryBen CooperMain role