POSH: Who is that Sexy and Gay Staffer on 'Downton Abbey'?

Been getting caught up on 'Downton Abbey' Season ONE on PBS and was intrigued by the Sexy Gay Footman, Thomas. He makes a play at every male he meets.



Robert James-Collier 35, is a British actor and model. He is known for his roles as Liam Connor in Coronation Street.

James-Collier modelled for Argos, where he appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008 catalogues.

He won the Sexiest Male award at the 2007 and 2008 British Soap Awards in addition to "Best Exit" at the 2009 British Soap Awards. He won Sexiest Male and Best Newcomer at the 2007 Inside Soap Awards.

About Thomas:
Thomas Barrow (played by Rob James-Collier) is first footman at Downton Abbey.  Thomas is also homosexual. In Season One, he tries to blackmail his former lover, the Duke of Crowborough. Later, when Kemal Pamuk visits Downton, Thomas is rebuffed when he attempts to kiss the Ottoman diplomat. Pamuk later uses this incident to blackmail Thomas, threatening to inform Lord Grantham about his pass unless Thomas agreed to guide Pamuk to the room of Lady Mary Crawley later that same evening.

Thomas was originally meant to be written out of the show at the end of the first series once the he had had his "comeuppance". However, after James-Collier's had filmed the first two episodes of show the producers contacted his agent and asked if he'd liked to be optioned for the second and third series