Ultimate TV villain Tommy Lee Royce had fans terrified as he made a break for freedom in Sunday night's Happy Valley (January 22). The psychopathic criminal caused jaws to drop across the nation as he managed to bolt from court while about to stand trial for murder.
The twisted killer, played by James Norton, escaped on a bike after a violent fight broke out outside the courtroom. Viewers are now terrified he'll go after his nemesis Sergeant Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire in the Calder Valley-based BBC One crime drama.
As fans struggled with their confused feelings towards Tommy, with many feeling hot under the collar over his prison makeover, others pointed out that actor James Norton managed to captivate audiences with hardly any dialogue.
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juliet_sellars asked on James' Instagram page: "Someone correct me if I'm wrong but did Tommy only have one word of dialogue in that episode? He said 'Sound' after the haircut but was that it? Extraordinary acting. Bloody heart stopping last five minutes. Had to rewatch it 3 times. Xx"
jeanettebutlermullee said: "I think you may be right - Just shows how much acting is more than just words. Blinking brilliant!!" thefutureiselectric pointed out that as well as "sound" Tommy also screamed “police” on the way out of court so as to make people move out of his way."
clarehotstuff told the 37-year-old star, who is now a fan favourite to become the next James Bond: "Considering you barely had any dialogue in last night’s episode, you are so menacing."
Viewers were so absorbed by the drama, which saw a lycra-clad Tommy cycle off through the centre of Leeds, they were left feeling "stressed" and "genuinely scared."
@Mother5wan wrote on social media: "I felt genuinely scared. Like. Is the door locked?" And @LorinEverall Woke up quite stressed that Tommy Lee Royce had escaped and had to remind myself that Happy Valley isn't real."
@sjcarter1979 tweeted: "I'm so invested in Happy Valley that I'm switching the news on hoping for an update on Tommy Lee Royce. My god, that's good tele." And @LukeelkinsTV said on their Twitter: "I was expecting the News at ten headlines to include the escape Tommy Lee Royce."
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