James Norton had ‘weird dreams about violence’ after playing murderer in Happy Valley 

James Norton has said he had ‘weird dreams about violence’ after playing villainous murderer and sex offender Tommy Lee Royce – but admits he didn’t let himself sink too deeply into the sadistic character.

Speaking to The Times, the actor, 37, revealed that while playing the antagonist of BBC’s Happy Valley, storylines would get ‘inevitably uncomfortable’.

‘But not everybody goes off set to their trailer to cry,’ he continued. ‘I love my job, but, ultimately, acting is pretending.’

James added that he likes to have a beer and bath at the end of the day to ‘decompress’, and didn’t leave set thinking that he ‘can’t get Tommy out of his head’.

The star – who was most recently seen on screen as do-no-wrong character Reverend Sidney Chambers in Grantchester – also said that he thinks it’s ‘b******t’ for an actor to believe their role didn’t land if it didn’t leave them ’emotionally ravaged’.

However James, who’s set to play Jude in the stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s heart-wrenching A Little Life, admits that he is concerned about the emotionally tasking undertaking.

The lead role, which he will bring to life from March at the Harold Pinter Theatre, will see him exploring themes of severe childhood trauma and abuse.

‘I am worried about that,’ he revealed. ‘And now I’m contradicting what I’ve just said, but I know this is going to cost me a lot.’ 

Speaking to The Times, the actor (pictured last month), 37, revealed that while playing the antagonist of BBC’s Happy Valley, storylines would get ‘inevitably uncomfortable’

In October, BBC confirmed a third season of the hit show would be on its way, and that it would be its last

Earlier last month James wowed viewers when he transformed his usual clean-cut look into a much more rugged display while taking to the screen for the much-awaited third season of Happy Valley. 

The actor sported a grown-out beard, unruly long locks and a massive forehead scar while portraying Royce.

James’ character Tommy is seen in prison in the new episodes, after being sentenced in season one for rape and abduction.

Donning a green and yellow jumpsuit as he spends time behind bars, the criminal is seen in handcuffs while being escorted by officials in new pictures from the show.

The final season will follow Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she investigates a gangland murder that leads her back to Tommy

Filming for the much-anticipated third and final series got underway earlier last year following a six-year hiatus and is certain to be the most thrilling yet.

In October, BBC confirmed a third season of the hit show would be on its way, and that it would be its last.

The final season will follow Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) as she investigates a gangland murder that leads her back to Tommy, and her struggle to end the drug supply in the valley. 

James previously said of reprising his role as Tommy: ‘To take on Tommy one final time is a wonderful and daunting privilege, and something I’ve been looking forward to since we wrapped the last series, six years ago.’

Happy Valley was a big hit with audiences after first airing in 2014, winning a BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series, with a follow-up second series in 2016. 

And while the role catapulted James to fame, he may have played it a little too convincingly – with many sending the actor letters of hate for his characters actions.

In 2017 the London-based actor revealed he received death threats for his role in Happy Valley, as some viewers were so frightened by his portrayal. 

Series three of the BBC drama will air on January 1 2023.

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