James Norton has revealed that Happy Valley fans often seem intimidated when they see the actor in public, forgetting he’s not the murderous character he’s playing.
The British actor, 37, who plays Tommy Lee Royce in the BBC drama, spoke to Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas on the couch on The One Show and was asked how he felt playing the villain.
He said: “I kind of love it… for a long time I felt I should say how disturbing and how much it cost me to play, but the truth is it’s really fun.
Real life: James Norton has revealed that Happy Valley fans often seem intimidated when they see the actor in public, forgetting he’s not the murderous character he plays
“Obviously the really reprehensible stuff and the violence is complicated to play, but that feeling of wandering around in those boiler suits when people are giving you wide births doesn’t happen to me in real life.
“It’s incredibly empowering and I kind of love it.”
Moderator Alex then addressed the fact that some fans are struggling to remember the difference between James and his role as Tommy.
“Sometimes people get a little intimidated by me,” James said.
Killer: The British actor, 37, who plays Tommy Lee Royce in the BBC drama, spoke on the couch on The One Show with Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas and was asked how he felt about playing the villain
‘Intimidated’: Host Alex then addressed the fact that some fans are struggling to remember the difference between James and his role as Tommy. “Sometimes people get a little intimidated by me,” James said
“It’s happened a little less in this series, I think, maybe because of the barnett.”
The next episode, which will air on BBC One, sees James’ character preparing for a court appearance.
The actor plays villainous murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce, who grows long locks in prison, in the drama.
But Sunday’s episode shows prison staff trimming his hair and beard to prepare him for an important day in court.
Tommy goes topless while receiving an image makeover while showing off his muscular arms and body.
Despicable: James also said the “really despicable stuff and the violence” feels “complicated,” but the feeling of playing a killer is so new and exciting
Role: James said of his role: “I kind of love it… for a long time I felt I should say how disturbing and how much it cost me to play, but the truth is it’s really fun.”
In the second picture, he looks much more handsome with a clean-shaven face and shorter locks.
It comes after James revealed last week that he loved his Happy Valley character’s long hair and ‘Messiah’ look while filming the final season of the drama.
He shared how he liked the look and often found himself in Boots’ mousse department, buying products and having many “Pantene moments” on set.
Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, he said: “Director Sally Wainwright knows the look she wants for him and it’s bold.
Creepy: The actor plays villainous murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce, who grows long locks in prison in the drama
“I loved having long hair – it was fun and I found myself in Boots’ mousse department. I also have an odd number of clips of me and ‘Pantene’ moments!’
Speaking about the final Happy Valley series and the huge response, he added, “It’s a huge relief that people like it – after seven years there was no guarantee anyone would want to see it.”
When asked if he’ll miss playing Tommy, he said, “He’s a despicable monster, but he got really alluring, kind of an odd distant friend that’s nice to see.
“I loved playing him and I miss him and the show.”
Filming for the highly anticipated third and final series began early last year after a six-year hiatus.
Change: In the next episode, which will be broadcast on BBC One, James’ character can be seen preparing for a court appearance
In October, the BBC confirmed that a third season of the hit show was on the way and that it would be their last.
The final season follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she investigates a gangster murder that leads her back to Tommy and her struggle to shut down the valley’s drug supply.
It comes after James revealed he was seeking therapy after being severely bullied as a student at boarding school.
He said he was teased for five years while he was at school. Speaking on the Comfort Eating podcast, he said: “My school years were complicated. I didn’t have the best time.
Funny: It comes after James revealed last week that he loved his Happy Valley character’s long hair and ‘Messiah’ look while filming the final season of the drama
“I was bullied pretty badly for five years and I was in boarding school so I couldn’t go. I’ve had a great therapist for the past four years, and he doesn’t come from a place of drama.
“And thankfully I don’t suffer from depression or anything like that, but it was really, really helpful to understand what [happened to me at school].’
James added that he’s not a fan of the boarding school system and thinks most kids there are “very homesick”.
He said: “I’ve realized that boarding schools are really weird places. We are the only country that still sends its children away voluntarily.
“You’re stuck with these people, and all these little kids are just deeply homesick and they’re just lost.
“For some of them, that pain takes the form of being needy or rebellious. But some of them get angry and instead of screaming for their mother, they just bully someone.
It comes after James recently opened up about his role in Happy Valley during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
Speaking about the final series and the huge response, he added: “It’s a great relief that people like it – after seven years there was no guarantee anyone would want to see it.”
Open: James Norton has revealed he has sought therapy after being severely bullied as a student at boarding school (pictured in November 2022)