HE made Downton Abbey fans cry in their droves with his deathbed wedding scene.
Now local actor Thomas Howes, who played loyal footman William in the top television series, is hoping to make audiences cry with laughter.
The 27-year-old award winning actor is taking on the role of Widow Twankey in the Dearne Playhouse pantomime Aladdin.
Thomas featured in the television film United, based on the team who were killed in the Munich air disaster playing the role of Manchester United captain Mark Jones, who was from Wombwell. He has also filmed alongside Keira Knightley and Jude Law in the 2012 film Anna Karenina.
Before training at the Guildhall school of music and drama, Thomas was already well known to theatre audiences in the Dearne.
His love of acting began when he appeared in numerous productions staged by Thurnscoe based 2Act company.
A long time fan of the annual Dearne panto, traditionally an all-amateur cast, Thomas has watched several over the years and often said he would like to take part.
This year he gets his wish when the panto becomes a professional production.
Theatre manager Julie Medlam said: "This production of Aladdin is Thomas's tenth pantomime, his second Aladdin and his first ever Widow Twankey.
"He says he is delighted to be a part of it at last and thrilled to be starting off our first ever professional production. We are all very excited.
"The pantomime has gone from being a community amateur show presented in January to a more professional cast in December- I'm sure family audiences will love it."
Aladdin runs at the Dearne Playhouse from December 12 to 22. Box office 01709 894128.
