James Norton trades in his neat good looks for a rough beard and massive scar on his forehead when he returns to the screens as behind-bars villain Tommy Lee Royce for Happy Valley season 3.
- The third season of the BBC drama will air on January 1, 2023.
He was recently seen on screen as the up to no wrong Reverend Sidney Chambers in Grantchester.
But James Norton transformed his usual clean look into a much beefier display as he stepped onto the screen for the highly anticipated third season of the drama series Happy Valley.
The 37-year-old actor sported a full-grown beard, long unruly locks and a massive scar across his forehead while playing the villainous murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce.
He is back! James Norton has traded his neat appearance for a rough beard and a massive scar on his forehead when he returns to the screens as behind-bars villain Tommy Lee Royce for Happy Valley season 3.
James’ character, Tommy, is seen in prison in the new episodes, having been sentenced in the first season for rape and kidnapping.
Wearing a green and yellow jumpsuit while spending time behind bars, the criminal is seen handcuffed while being escorted by officers in new footage from the show.
Filming on the highly anticipated third and final series began earlier this year after a six-year hiatus and is sure to be the most exciting yet.
In October, the BBC confirmed that a third series of the hit show would be on the way, and that it would be its last.
New Look: He sported a full-grown beard, long unruly locks, and a massive scar on his forehead as he played the murderous villain and sex offender.
Behind bars: James’ character, Tommy, is seen in prison in the new episodes, after being sentenced in the first season for rape and kidnapping.
The final season will follow Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she investigates a gang murder that leads her back to Tommy and his fight to wipe out the valley’s drug supply.
James previously said of reprising his role as Tommy: “To face Tommy one last time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we finished the last series six years ago.
Happy Valley was a huge hit with audiences after it first aired in 2014, winning a BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series, with a second follow-up series in 2016.
And while the role catapulted James to fame, he may have played it too convincingly, with many sending the actor hate mail for his characters’ actions.
In 2017, the London-based actor revealed that he received death threats for his role in Happy Valley, as some viewers were too scared by his portrayal.
The third season of the BBC drama will air on January 1, 2023.
Early days: James rose to fame with his critically acclaimed role in series one and two of the show, but he may have played it too convincingly, with many sending the actor hate mail for his characters’ actions (pictured in series 2).