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The day a Corrie and Downton Abbey star visited a Blackburn high school

Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students
Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students

DOWNTON ABBEY star Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to host an acting workshop.

Robert, who has also had major roles in Coronation Street and Channel 4 school drama Ackley Bridge, spent a full day with students and joined some of them for lunch.

Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students
Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students

Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students

Salford-born Robert, who plays a deputy headteacher Martin Evershed on the Channel 4, show said: “I had an amazing day and as tough as the challenges are that some of these kids face, their resilience and sense of humour and talent shone through.

“All of the students were eager to learn and showed impressive skills – well beyond their ages, I was completely blown away by their talent and interest in their subjects.

“Thanks for having me up there I really enjoyed it and I’m glad that the students and teachers did as well”.

Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students
Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students

Actor Robert James-Collier visited Blackburn Central High School to visit students

Director of learning – English, Mrs O’Neill said “Rob was so inspirational. He spent time with year 10 and answered their questions. He made his job as an actor sound amazing and so exciting.

“He told tales about being up a mountain being surrounded by bears whilst he filmed, to his favourite films and programmes that he has starred in.

“He was so humble and loved chatting to the children. Some felt so inspired by his decision to change his career in marketing to become an actor at 28.”

Miss Baillie, teacher of drama, said: “Rob gave pupils an insight on how to become a professional actor, as well as helping them develop their acting skills and giving feedback to their scenes. Pupils were star struck and inspired to create some amazing work under Rob’s skilful direction.”

Undated film still handout from Downton Abbey. Pictured: Robert James-Collier as Thomas Barrow. PA Feature SHOWBIZ Film Downton Abbey. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Focus Features/Jaap Buitendijk. All Rights Reserved. WARNING: This picture must

Shanaz Hussain, headteacher, said: “ At BCHS, we endeavour to give our students to have as many learning experiences as possible. Rob met many of our students and was so approachable and kind to staff and students alike.

“His expertise, knowledge and life experiences that he shared will be lifelong memories for some of our students. We hope to see him again.”